Selective hydrogen plasma reduction of vanadium-rich titanomagnetite for sustainable metal recovery

Abstract

Hydrogen plasma reduction was explored as a selective pre-processing strategy for sustainable recovery of iron and vanadium from vanadium-rich titanomagnetite ores. The process rapidly transforms iron oxides into high-purity metallic iron, simultaneously concentrating vanadium and titanium into a separable oxide residue. Advanced characterization elucidated nanoscale phase transformations and the preferential segregation of trace elements. By avoiding intermediate phases typical of conventional methods, hydrogen plasma reduction improves reaction rates and overall energy efficiency. The mechanically separable vanadium-rich oxide layer generated by this method facilitates subsequent extraction processes. Integrating hydrogen plasma reduction with existing electric arc furnace technology offers an economically viable and environmentally sustainable pathway for resource recovery from complex ores.