Research Area Hydrogen Plasma Technology
The Hydrogen Plasma Technology research group is a multidisciplinary unit that conducts innovative research in hydrogen plasma applications in materials processing. Pioneering work is being done in the reduction and transformation of oxide input materials by using the unique properties of hydrogen plasma, characterized by its high temperatures and the presence of excited species such as atomic and ionized hydrogen. The research focuses on using plasma species’ increased reduction potential and substantial energy to melt and reduce even stable oxide compounds, generating climate-neutral water vapor as a by-product. This unique capability positions hydrogen plasma as a groundbreaking technology for sustainable industrial processes.
The Hydrogen Plasma Technology working group is committed to exploring the reduction behavior of diverse input materials across several key industries, including iron and steel metallurgy, non-ferrous metallurgy, and the chemical sector. The research effort covers the following areas:
- Selective Reduction and Metal Recovery: Developing methods for efficiently reducing residual and landfill materials to recover individual metals, contributing to sustainable waste management and resource recycling.
- Process Design and Optimization: Designing new and enhancing existing plasma processes to increase efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and minimize environmental impact, thereby supporting the transition to greener industrial practices.
- Material Modification: Innovating advanced techniques for modifying materials, including creating specialized products with unique properties through hydrogen plasma processing.
The research group is dedicated to expanding hydrogen plasma technology in various areas and advancing solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also environmentally friendly. For further information, questions or topics for a thesis in this area, please contact DI Dr.mont. Daniel Ernst.
