A magnetic marvel to keep the turbines moving

Scientists discover rare earth element substitute

Despite their name, rare earth elements are not especially rare.

However, they are critical to advancements in leading-edge technology—including electric cars, wind turbines and hydrogen storage—and with new demand outpacing global supply, concern is growing that we may soon face a shortage.

That’s why scientists have been working on man-made alternatives. And judging by a June 2016 report in the American Chemical Society’s journal Chemistry of Materials, it appears that progress is being made.

According to Chemistry of Materials, a team of scientists led by Italy-based Alberto Lopez-Ortega and Claudio Sangregorio have produced a substitute for neodymium—a rare earth element used in strong magnets that drive wind turbines. The magnetic core-shell nanoparticles produced by the team, based on iron and cobalt, apparently “showed strong magnetic properties and energy-storing capabilities.”

Rare earth elements tend to occur together in nature, and are difficult and increasingly expensive to separate from one another—not to mention potentially hazardous, with one byproduct being mildly radioactive slurry tailings.

This group of 17 elements is used to produce everything from lasers, fiber-optic technology, and luminous paint to spark plugs, energy-efficient light bulbs and mercury-vapor lamps.

Renewables are expected to be the world’s fastest-growing energy source between now and 2040.

Despite their name, rare earth elements are not especially rare. But is demand outpacing supply?

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