Separation of lead sulfide from galena concentrate via two-step vacuum distillation

Lead sulfide is a semiconductor with many important applications. In this study, an efficient two-step vacuum distillation process was proposed to separate and purify lead sulfide from galena concentrate. First, impurities such as antimony trisulfide and arsenic sulfide in galena concentrate were removed through vacuum distillation at 900 K, which showed that 98.32% of antimony and 92.4% of arsenic were eliminated. Secondly, lead sulfide in galena concentrate was separated through another vacuum distillation. In this section, the variables considered in the experimental study are vacuum distillation temperature, pressure and time. Experimental data showed that under certain conditions, up to 99% of the lead sulfide was recovered, leaving less than 1% in the residue. In addition, we have studied the effects of vacuum distillation temperature and time on the purity of lead sulfide products. It has been shown that the purity of lead sulfide can be as high as 99% under optimal conditions. This work presents a promising technique for separating lead sulfide from galena concentrate.