TDM is an effective collector for sphalerite with less CuSO4 and without frother.
TDM chemisorbs on the minerals surface.
Adsorption modes of TDM on mineral surfaces are obtained by first-principle study.
Absorption energies of TDM on ZnS (110) and FeS2 (100) are 394.78, 219.33 kJ/mol.
Reactions happen between S 3p orbital of TDM and 3d of Zn/Fe orbital of minerals.