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.

• 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.

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