Green steel towards a fossil-free future: a hierarchical study of hydrogen-based sustainable metallurgy

Purpose and goal:

This VINNOVA Mobility application aims to support Dr. Wangzhong Mu’s exchange with Prof. Dierk Raabe’s group at Max-Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials (MPI-SusMat.), Germany.

The research plan is to perform novel hydrogen reduction of iron ores and sustainable high entropy alloy manufacturing. Both parties can clearly argue for benefit of sustainable research. Furthermore, there is an ambition that the two parties build up a long-term relationship around sustainability research since the European Union has a clear goal to control greenhouse gas emission by 2050.

Expected results and effects:

Utilizing hydrogen to replace carbon for reducing is urgently needed to offer a promising pathway for a fossil-free future. The reduction of iron oxides with hydrogen is with underlying physical, chemical, and mechanical mechanisms. The current grant focus on establishing the modeling to predict oxides reduction kinetics combining physical properties.

Furthermore, the cost-friendly solution for HEA manufacturing will provide a sustainable way for HEA application in different areas. Through the exchange, both parties can clearly argue for benefit of sustainable research. Approach and implementation:

The current project takes 18 months. In 2022, Mu shortly visited MPI-SusMat. to initiate the discussion with MPI-SusMat. researchers. In 2023, Mu have twice long staying visit in Germany to perform experimental characterization, and perform the theoretical modelling in Sweden.

In 2024, Mu has a final visit to MPI-SusMat. to present the final results, and discus the way forward. In total, Mu has published Six peer-reviewed journal papers with the sustainability topic, and two manuscripts are in preparation. Mu also give a research seminar regarding hydrogen metallurgy and HEA.