Effects of mineralogical composition into the reactivity of calcinated ilmenite for chemical looping technologies

Author(s)

de Matos, Caroline Silva ; Ulsen, Carina ; Filho, Fernando Luiz Sacomano

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T; v. 35, p. 11-pg., 2025-02-20.

Abstract

Ilmenite is one of the most promising oxygen carriers (OC) for chemical looping combustion (CLC) on a large scale. However, ilmenite samples from distinct mines submitted to diverse mineral processing procedures do not have homogeneous physicochemical characteristics, impacting the design and feasibility of chemical looping technologies. In this study, the comparative technological characterization of six samples of calcined ilmenite concentrate obtained from diverse sources was performed to understand the most critical parameters affecting their reactivity toward methane. Results evidenced differences in reactivity of the samples regarding the temperature at which reduction starts (Tinitial), the temperature onset (Tonset), and mass change between 800 and 995 degrees C. Although such differences result from a sum of factors, particle size distribution and the partition of Fe into diverse phases, including silicates, play a vital role in the samples' reactivity. The findings herein pointed out pathways to prioritize standardization into ilmenite characterization to establish guidelines for sample selection on developing OCs for CLC. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/15230-5 - Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Innovation - RCG2I
• Grantee: Julio Romano Meneghini
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research Centers in Engineering Program
• FAPESP's process: 09/54007-0 - Acquisition of complementary and support equipment for a scanning electron microscopy facility
• Grantee: Henrique Kahn
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program