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University of Oregon Chemists Demonstrate Scalable, Low-Emission Ironmaking Process

The innovative electrochemical method uses saltwater and iron oxide, producing pure iron and valuable chlorine byproduct, with recent breakthroughs in efficiency and cost competitiveness.

Man is working in the splashing molten iron
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Overview

  • Researchers at the University of Oregon have successfully demonstrated an electrochemical process for producing pure iron in lab settings, utilizing saltwater and iron oxide as inputs.
  • The process generates chlorine as a commercially valuable byproduct, adding economic appeal to the method.
  • Recent findings highlight the critical role of porous iron oxide particles in significantly improving reaction efficiency and production rates.
  • Cost estimates suggest the process could produce iron for under $600 per metric ton, making it competitive with traditional fossil-fuel-based methods.
  • Collaborations with civil engineers and electrode manufacturers are addressing the challenges of scaling the technology for industrial applications.