In this episode, Dr. Amir Eskanlou discusses "Quantum Chemistry for Mineral Processing." The historical evolution of materials technology and the escalating global demand for resources highlight the need for sustainable extraction methods. Environmental concerns add urgency to the equation. Quantum chemistry emerges as a strategic tool to tackle challenges in selective extraction from complex ores. The coexistence of minerals with similar surface behaviors complicates separation, but quantum principles aid in deciphering complexities. Challenges also arise in separating minerals like apatite from silicates due to shared behaviors, requiring a holistic approach integrating mineralogy, hydrometallurgy, and quantum chemistry. High-scale simulations inform design and optimization, while safety and sustainability remain central concerns in developing comprehensive solutions.
Dr. Amir Eskanlou is a Ph.D. candidate at Penn State University, specializing in Energy and Mineral Engineering and Computational Materials Science. His focus revolves around unraveling the complexities of surface chemistry and interfacial interactions. Using quantum-mechanical calculations and AI, he strives to unveil unprecedented insights into material behaviors. With experience as a Research Assistant at both Penn State University and West Virginia University, he has worked on projects involving fluorescence spectroscopy, FTIR, XPS, and Python programming. His expertise extends to surface chemistry, molecular dynamics, and adsorption. He also brings experience as a Process Engineer at NIPEC, focusing on flowsheet design and optimization. He hold a Ph.D. in Energy and Mineral Engineering and a minor in Computational Materials Science from Penn State University. He has attended the Density Functional Theory summer school at Cornell University, enhancing my skills in computational chemistry and materials modeling. His passion lies in bridging the gap between theory and experiment to advance our understanding of materials' behavior and properties.