Researchers have discovered that a nickel oxide catalyst can double the speed of hydrogen-based steelmaking at reduced temperatures, according to a study published in Phys.org. Steel production currently accounts for about 10% of global CO2 emissions, making it a major target for decarbonization efforts.
Hydrogen-based metal production offers a promising CO2-free alternative by combining reduction, alloying, and microstructure design into a single step. However, its adoption has been hindered by slow reduction kinetics of metal ores at temperatures below 800°C (1,472°F).
The catalyst addresses this bottleneck directly. By accelerating the reaction at lower temperatures, it could make the process more energy-efficient and economically viable. The study's authors did not disclose specific performance metrics beyond the 2x improvement.
If scaled, this breakthrough could reshape the steel industry, which is under pressure to cut emissions while meeting growing demand for specialized metals in mobility, energy, and infrastructure. Commercial deployment remains years away.
The findings are preliminary and laboratory-based. Real-world validation in industrial reactors and with different ore types will be necessary before any commercial claims can be made.