In-situ observation of the interaction silicon and hematite

The reduction process of the Fe2O3 (α-hematite) by Si was investigated with in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Hematite and other iron oxides are main component of iron ore and Si is main gangue elements of iron ore. Si reduced hematite and Fe precipitated around 700°C. The electrons due to TEM(=200keV) was not necessary condition of Fe precipitation and grew until run out of Si. The residual Si reacted with precipitated Fe after a certain period of time of electron irradiation. The reaction completed very short time less than one frame of video. One of the reacted material was identified as α-FeSi2. These results indicated that the possibility of new ironmaking without CO2 emission and silicide formation.