Fe2O3 Thermal Decomposition Question

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SUMMARY

Fe2O3 decomposes into Fe3O4 and O2 at approximately 1500°C, as indicated by the Ellingham diagrams. Further decomposition to iron metal necessitates temperatures exceeding several thousand degrees Celsius. If the sample contains a reducing agent such as carbon, a redox reaction can occur at around 1000°C. This information is crucial for anyone conducting thermal decomposition experiments involving iron oxides.

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  • Understanding of thermal decomposition processes
  • Familiarity with Ellingham diagrams
  • Knowledge of redox reactions
  • Basic principles of thermodynamics
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Chemists, materials scientists, and engineers involved in high-temperature processes or thermal analysis of metal oxides will benefit from this discussion.

BH1988
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Hi, I've been asked to heat a sample that contains Fe2O3, amongst some other things, to a temperature where Fe2O3 will decompose. I am unable to find the temperature at which I would need to heat the sample and I'm not entirely convinced this is actually possible with the equipment I have available. However, it would be greatly appreciated if anyone could provide me with this temperature and if possible a reference to go with it.
Thanks :)
 
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http://web.mit.edu/2.813/www/readings/Ellingham_diagrams.pdf
The Ellingham diagrams in the above link suggest that ##Fe_2O_3## decomposes into ##Fe_3O_4## and ##O_2## at around 1500°C. Further decomposition to iron metal probably requires several thousand degrees. If "some other things" include, e.g., carbon or another reducing agent, then you can get a redox reaction to happen at a low(-ish, but still probably around 1000°C) temperature.
 

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