| Project Detail |
Worcester Polytechnic Institute is developing manufacturing technologies for low carbon electrolyzed iron powder to be used in iron-silicon electrical steel. In the proposed electrolysis technology, the simultaneous percolation of electrons and ions effectively allows for 3D reaction areas and enables the process to function at higher currents and rates. The approach overcomes the challenges of solid diffusion and collection in conventional electrolysis, and the work could revolutionize iron production by replacing the traditional carbothermic process while significantly reducing energy usage, greenhouse gas emissions, and cost.
Market Impact Potential:
Inspired by the principles of flow batteries, the low temperature electrolysis process proposed by Worcester Polytechnic Institute has a much lower operating temperature compared to conventional approaches, leading to a simpler, more efficient process design with very low electrolysis capital cost. The technology could be used to fabricate different metal powders and recycle metal wastes, which could establish a foundation for U.S. clean metal production and recycling. |
