Dr. Barak Ratzker
16/04/2026
אודיטוריום ע"ש דויד וואנג, בניין מידן, קומה 3
13:30
NSolid-state hydrogen-based direct reduction of metal oxides presents a promising route to reduce anthropogenic carbon emissions in metal production industries. While prior studies have explored the influence of reduction conditions and feedstock properties, a fundamental understanding of the governing microstructural factors remains essential for optimizing the reduction process and reactor design. In the course of this work, we investigated the reduction behavior of iron oxide model systems including single crystal and sintered polycrystalline hematite. Reduction kinetics were assessed using thermogravimetric analysis by exposing samples to pure hydrogen at 700 °C. The microstructures of partially reduced specimens were thoroughly characterized by electron microscopy techniques, enabling us to elucidate the microstructure evolution and reduction mechanisms across various length scales. This work uncovered the influence of microstructural features such as crystallographic orientations and grain size on the critical steps of concurrent pore network formation and reduction phase transformations. These insights shed light on the importance of microstructure development during the direct reduction of metal oxides, which can be leveraged not only to improve reduction processes but also to tailor porous materials for various sustainable applications.