Reduction of Fe2O3 with hydrogen Original Research Article

The reduction of Fe2O3 with hydrogen was studied. The thermodynamic analysis of the process implied that temperature-programmed reduction of the oxide should proceed in three steps, i.e. Fe2O3 → Fe3O4 → “FeO” → Fe, at image ratio over 0.35, but in two steps, i.e. Fe2O3 → Fe3O4 → Fe, below that value. The idea was verified by TPR and XRD studies. Generally, the examinations confirmed the suggestions. The reduction is three-step reaction at high image ratio, but two-step reaction at low that ratio. Additionally, it was revealed that at extremely low image ratio the TP reduction is a one-step reaction, i.e. Fe2O3 → Fe.