Part-Time Research Assistant

Penn State University•University Park, IL

3d•$28•Onsite

About The Position

Conduct a systematic investigation of the microflotation behavior of clay minerals, focusing on both single-mineral systems and binary mineral mixtures. The study will examine the flotation response of cookeite and clinochlore individually, as well as their separation from kaolinite in mixed systems (cookeite–kaolinite and clinochlore–kaolinite), using a Hallimond tube cell. Flotation experiments will be carried out over a broad pH range (2–12) using dodecanoic acid as the collector. The work will evaluate the effects of key operating variables, including pH, collector dosage, and activator dosage, on flotation performance and selectivity. To establish the relationship between surface chemistry and flotation response, recovered concentrates will be characterized using: X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) to assess surface oxidation states and chemical composition Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to investigate molecular adsorption mechanisms of the collector. The overall objective is to identify the optimal operating conditions for selective separation and to develop a fundamental understanding of how surface chemical properties govern flotation behavior in these mineral systems.

Requirements

Systematic investigation of microflotation behavior of clay minerals.
Focus on single-mineral systems and binary mineral mixtures.
Examination of flotation response of cookeite and clinochlore individually and in mixed systems with kaolinite.
Use of a Hallimond tube cell for flotation experiments.
Experiments conducted over a broad pH range (2-12).
Use of dodecanoic acid as the collector.
Evaluation of effects of pH, collector dosage, and activator dosage.
Characterization of recovered concentrates using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS).
Characterization of recovered concentrates using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).
Identification of optimal operating conditions for selective separation.
Development of a fundamental understanding of surface chemical properties governing flotation behavior.

Responsibilities

Conduct a systematic investigation of the microflotation behavior of clay minerals.
Examine the flotation response of cookeite and clinochlore individually and in mixed systems with kaolinite.
Carry out flotation experiments using a Hallimond tube cell over a broad pH range (2-12) with dodecanoic acid as the collector.
Evaluate the effects of pH, collector dosage, and activator dosage on flotation performance and selectivity.
Characterize recovered concentrates using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).
Identify optimal operating conditions for selective separation.
Develop a fundamental understanding of how surface chemical properties govern flotation behavior.