Separation and enrichment of PbS and Sb2S3 from jamesonite by vacuum distillation

The formula for jamesonite is Pb4FeSb6S14 (or 4PbS·FeS·3Sb2S3). This paper proposes a novel method for the separation and enrichment of PbS and Sb2S3 from jamesonite by vacuum distillation. The experiments were carried out at temperatures ranging from 1073 K to 1473 K and at pressures less than 10,000 Pa. The amount of Sb, Pb, and Fe in the volatiles and residues was determined by chemical titration analysis and the enrichment ratios of Sb, Pb, and Fe were calculated. We discuss the influence of the distillation temperature and holding time on the enrichment ratios of each element. The results of the XRD and EDS analyses of the residues and volatiles indicates that FeS remains in the residues as the major compound, Sb exists in the form of Sb2S3, and Pb exists in the form of PbS in different condensers. Experimental results showed that Sb2S3 condensed at about 725 K PbS condensed at about 984 K in different condenser.