Abstract: The structures and compositions of pyrite surface before and after high energy electron beam irradiation were investigated by applying X ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS) and X ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that irradiation does not change the shape and size of crystal cells of pyrite but may regulate the relative coordinate position of atoms in crystal cells. Irradiation in atmosphere can decrease the sulfur/ferrum atom ratio on pyrite surface and that in liquid may, on the contrary, increase the ratio. The reaction mechanism of pyrite surface under the irradiation of electron beam is analyzed.

Key words: Electron beam, Pyrite, Irradiation