Carl C. Nesbitt
Associate Professor
(906) 487-2796
cnesbitt@mtu.edu
B.S. (Chemical Engineering), M.S. and Ph.D. (Metallurgical
Engineering), University of Nevada-Reno; M.S.E. (Chemical Engineering),
University of Michigan
Research Interests: Hydrometallurgical processes;
environmental processes; waste management; oxidation-reduction chemistry,
desalination, electrochemistry.
Hydrometallurgical processes
Hydrometallurgical processes are finding novel applications
in many sectors of the metals and minerals industry. Recovery of trace
elements may be accomplished with minimal processing using leaching, concentration
and recovery techniques which have been perfected by the mineral processing
industries. Heap leaching and pressure leaching in autoclaves are two areas
currently being tested to recover metals from abandoned mine wastes, such
as tailings and slags. Experiments with novel lixiviants with specific
properties are being conducted. Other experiments are exploring ways to
optimize the effects of growth conditions of bacterial species on the oxidation
rate of iron in order to increase the rate of recovery of metal during
bacterial leaching. The Clean Air Act has required metal producers
to consider new techniques to produce metals without sulfur dioxide generation--hydrometallurgical
processing has become a major player in this field.
Environmental processes
Many of the techniques used to recover metals from dilute
leach solutions may be applied to contaminated waters. Metal precipitation,
ion exchange, solvent extraction, and adsorption experiments are providing
data needed to develop novel processes for treating a wide variety of metal-bearing
solutions. Some areas of immediate concern include remediation and recycling
of lead, copper and zinc from spent brass, removal of heavy metals by precipitation
and flotation, treatment of contaminated soils, and use of biomolecular
materials to remove metal contaminants selectively. Aqueous and vapor phase
systems are being studied.
Waste management
Basic to the efficient management of wastes from various
processes is a thorough understanding of the chemistry and behavior of
specific contaminants. A variety of alternative materials are being investigated
to decrease the toxicity of wastes of specific processes. Integration of
recycle processes is an integral part of waste management. Care must be
given to ensure chemical processes are compatible before implementation
or construction begins. Sensors of specific contaminants are being developed.
Speciation, reactivity and stability of various metal complexes and precipitates
are being studied in conjunction with the Department of Civil and Environmental
Engineering and the Chemistry Department.
Electrochemistry
Oxidation and reduction processes are fundamental to inorganic
chemistry. Recent advances in the manufacture of Activated Carbon
Electrodes (ACE) have afforded us a unique opportunity to understand and
advance the uses. High surface area, conductive solids are useful
in the desalination of water, production of purified water, plating of
metals, and even the clean-up of environmental toxins. Our research
has investigated all aspects of the new field.