MIT scientists discovered how to make steel with electricity
Will Electric Steel Revolutionize Manufacturing?
MIT alumni have formed a company, Boston Metal, using their research to develop an electric steelmaking process that significantly reduces greenhouse gases by emitting only oxygen. This innovative electrochemical method, detailed in a 2013 paper, features modular molten oxide electrolysis cells and a unique inert iron anode, making it scalable for commercial use. A factory in Brazil has already begun implementing this technology, with broader commercial availability expected by 2026.
What percentage of humanity's greenhouse gas emissions is attributed to traditional steelmaking processes?
Traditional steelmaking processes account for roughly seven to nine percent of humanity's greenhouse gas emissions. This is due to the process involving the use of coal in blast furnaces, which produces significant carbon dioxide emissions.
What traditional method does Boston Metal's new process aim to replace in steelmaking?
Boston Metal's new process aims to replace the traditional blast furnace method used in steelmaking, which typically utilizes coal. This conventional method is known for being highly polluting, contributing significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions. Boston Metal's alternative approach uses an electrochemical process called molten oxide electrolysis (MOE), which eliminates several steps in the traditional steelmaking process and importantly, only releases oxygen as a byproduct instead of harmful greenhouse gases235. This innovative method, developed by former MIT scientists, represents a cleaner, more environmentally friendly way of producing steel.