On the formation of dendritic iron from alkaline electrochemical reduction of iron oxide prepared for metal fuel applications

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2024.119931
• Publication Date: 2024-02-27T03:46:18Z
• Authors: Akmal Irfan Majid; Giulia Finotello; John van der Schaaf; Niels G. Deen; Yali Tang
• Keywords: Electrodeposition; Metal fuels; SDG 13 – Klimaatactie; SDG 13 - Climate Action; 0211 other engineering and technologies; Iron oxide reducion; Dendrites; SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy; 02 engineering and technology; Electrolytic iron powder; SDG 7 – Betaalbare en schone energie

Low-temperature electrochemical reduction (electroreduction) of iron oxides is a promising alternative to the conventional methods for production due its CO2-free operation and relatively low energy consumption. In this work, we demonstrate novel approach by promoting formation dendritic structures during electrodeposition, which facilitates easy harvesting deposits in powder form. Experiments were conducted using single pair parallel plate electrodes, immersed mixture hematite (Fe2O3) aqueous alkaline (NaOH) slurry. The effects current density, Fe2O3 mass fraction, temperature, size on efficiency deposit morphology are investigated. A large quantity observed when experiments carried out without stirring and/or applying heat from heating plate. This condition suggests temperature (ion/species) concentration gradients system. dendrites mainly deposited cathode's sides, corners, edges. Different (compact layer deposit, moss-like with whisker-like dendrites, crystal-like dendrites) as operating conditions change. Overall, cathodic deposition metallic high Faradaic (≥90 %) successfully accomplished. present findings provide new insights into electrolytic future use carbon neutral sustainable fuel/energy carrier.