Scientists say there’s a potential new approach to magnet manufacturing that may help Europe and the West lessen (or even eliminate) their reliance on China and its rare earth elements. Ultimately, the desired result of this scientific discovery would be the transition to a net-zero carbon economy. Senior author of this exciting new study, Professor Lindsay Greer of the ExtendGlass project, says, “Rare earth deposits exist elsewhere [besides China], but the mining operations are highly disruptive: You have to extract a huge amount of material to get a small volume of rare earth.” Greer goes on to say that with the world's obvious reliance on China, China’s near monopoly on production, and the other option involving some intense environmental impacts, there has been a sense of urgency surrounding the hunt to find or create alternative materials to rare earths.
A Solution From Space: Tetrataenite & Phosphorus
One potential replacement for rare earth elements that we’ve been aware of is called ttetrataenite. This iron-nickel alloy is actually found in meteorites, forming over millions of years as the meteorite cools. Until recently, there has been no foreseeable way to replicate tetrataenite, at least not on an industrial scale. Professor Greer says it has always been an advancement that felt “very far away.”Recently though, Greer’s team may have found a legitimate way to develop lab-made tetrataenite. They discovered that the addition of phosphorus — a common element that can also be found in meteorites — could be the answer! Phosphorus allows iron and nickel atoms to move quickly, forming tetrataenite much faster than the aforementioned “millions of years.” Greer says, “What was so astonishing was that no special treatment was needed: We just melted the [iron-nickel] alloy, poured it into a mold, and we have tetrataenite.” This finding completely changes how we think about tetrataenite, and ultimately, rare earth elements.
Apex Magnets
I don’t know about you, but we’re eager to see how this all unfolds in the years to come! If you’re likewise interested, follow along on our blog. We pay close attention and continue to post the latest news and discoveries related to magnets and magnetism. Why? Because we’re genuinely interested! If you’re interested in buying a magnet or learning about magnetism, visit our website today!
