Date of Award
2026
Document Type
Open Access Master's Report
Degree Name
Master of Science in Chemical Engineering (MS)
Administrative Home Department
Department of Chemical Engineering
Advisor 1
Timothy C. Eisele
Committee Member 1
Robert Handler
Committee Member 2
Daniel Kulas
Abstract
Iron electrowinning and electrodeposition sit at the intersection of classical metallurgy and developing sustainable manufacturing. With the iron and steel industry responsible for 7 - 9% of global CO₂ emissions, low-temperature electrochemical pathways for iron production have garnered significant research interest. This review examines the fundamental electrochemical principles governing iron deposition, the thermodynamic constraints imposed by the iron-water system, and the kinetic challenges posed by the parasitic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The three key electrolyte systems are objectively evaluated: acidic sulfate and chloride electrolytes, alkaline suspension electrolytes and water-in-salt electrolytes. Their operating parameters, faradaic efficiencies, energy consumption and deposit characteristics are analyzed and compared. This work maps the progression of research into nucleation, growth and synthesizing historical data into a modern mechanistic framework. Finally, the potential of the underexplored iron (II) acetate electrolyte system (weakly acidic) is evaluated and directions for future research are outlined.
Recommended Citation
Verenga, Chodwell N., "AQUEOUS IRON ELECTROWINNING: FROM ELECTROLYTE ENGINEERING TO THE UNEXPLORED POTENTIAL OF ACETATE SYSTEMS", Open Access Master's Report, Michigan Technological University, 2026.