cambridge Researchers are working on recreating a space magnet on Earth.
If successful, the initiative could help Western countries gain independence from China with renewable technology, while securing greener materials to power electric cars and other technologies.
Researchers call tetrataenite the “magnet of the universe” and it could revolutionize the way cleaner technology is powered. Magnets are necessary components in EVs, wind turbines, and other innovations that experts consider critical to reducing air pollution.
Most of that technology currently uses magnets made of what is commonly referred to as “.rare earth element. ” They are scattered throughout the Earth’s crust and are difficult to collect, requiring invasive and expensive mining.
China controls about 58% of rare earth mining and 92% of rare earth mining. magnet As of 2020, production is declining, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s guide to achieving “American leadership” in this field. The United States accounts for about 15% of the world’s supply, according to to the government.
“Between the environmental impact and heavy dependence on China, there is an urgent search for alternative materials that do not require rare earths,” says Professor Lindsay Greer from the University of Cambridge. Said In the Cambridge report.
tetrataenite, iron-Nickel alloys could be the magic magnet that solves some of these problems. However, this material forms on meteorites over millions of years.And we still don’t have tractor beam and the carriers who collect them.
Instead, scientists at Cambridge are trying to recreate tetrataenite in the lab.addition Rin Mixing is the key to the latest breakthrough, according to For university reports.
Phosphorus, a common element, works with iron and nickel to create suitable elements. atom The movement of forming tetrataenite magnets in space without taking millions of years. The researchers said they were able to recreate tetrataenite in seconds by pouring the mixture into a mold. according to To Cambridge.
Phosphorus’ breakthrough overcomes the mass production problems of previous research to recreate the material, such as 1960s projects that used “neutrons.” irradiation”
A method developed by Cambridge researchers with the help of colleagues. Austriais much easier.
“We just melted the alloy and poured it into a mold, and we created tetrataenite,” Greer says. Said In a university report.
Experts are now test A material to see how it functions as a high-performance magnet needed for most of the digital age technologies that fill our lives.
As of last year, they were also considering partnering with magnet manufacturers on research. The goal is to perfect a process to produce reliable space-age magnets at ultra-high speeds.
Expert Said The success so far has led scientists to reconsider whether it really takes millions of years for tetrataenite to form on meteorites.
“This result represents a complete shift in the way we think about this material,” Greer says. Said In the report.
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