James Black

Hometown:

Meridian, ID US
(Ada County)

School:

Idaho State University
Undergraduate student
B.S. Biochemistry

Funded by EPSCoR Award:

ICREWS | OIA-2242769

Research Location(s):

Idaho State University

COUNTIES:  Bannock

LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT(S):  District 29

Research Statement:

My research has focused on using polymer chemistry to bind precious metals found in wastewater from the mining and electronics industries. I am interested in removing precious metals from water to reclaim them for industrial use and to clean up the water supply for the people and ecosystems of Idaho. During my time researching at ISU, I have looked into tailoring polymers to target dissolved critical minerals. I have also looked into how the polymer structure and whether they were coated on beads changes their ability to reclaim critical minerals.

Research Impact:

This lab focuses on polymers with a high sulfur content, giving a use for the tons of sulfur waste produced each year from the petrochemical industry. The metals bound in my research are primarily used in electronics and power infrastructure. These polymers use inexpensive materials to bind valuable metals that would otherwise be wasted in a tailings pile or electronic waste. My research would help clean up the water supply for all of the people and ecosystems that use it in Idaho. Specifically, my lab partners and I have gone to a legacy mine clean-up operation North of Cascade to collect tailings runoff to analyze which metals are present in the water and to see if our polymers will be able to function in a practical setting.