SBIR Phase I: Economical separation of heavy metals dissolved in acidic streams generated by industrial processes and mining operations

This SBIR Phase I project will develop a relatively simple and economical method to separate heavy metals from acidic streams in industry and environmental operations. The project will use techniques for bonding chemicals to an activated carbon carrier to create a metal-ion binding material. These metal ions can be removed by using strong acid solutions while regenerating the material for reuse. The broader/commercial impacts of the proposed project will be the substitution of an inexpensive ion-exchange material for the more costly ion-exchange resins based on polymeric organic compounds. Success in this Phase I project will lead to products that can serve specific applications in the nuclear, industrial, and environmental fields.