Materials Nexus and the University of Sheffield have collaborated to create a groundbreaking new rare-earth-free magnet, MagNex, identified by artificial intelligence technology. This innovative material was developed through an AI-driven discovery and development process that was an impressive 200 times faster than traditional manual methods. The announcement of this advancement brings hope to a world increasingly reliant on powerful magnets, particularly in the shift towards electric mobility.
As the global demand for rare earth materials continues to rise, various industries are exploring new sources and technologies to meet this need. The automotive sector, in particular, is witnessing a surge in demand for compact, high-power motors, with permanent magnet motors currently dominating the electric vehicle market, powering over 80% of modern EVs.
Materials Nexus estimates that the demand for permanent magnets will increase significantly by 2030, especially within the electric vehicle industry. Beyond automotive applications, permanent magnet motors are essential for a wide range of technologies, including robotics, drones, wind turbines, and HVAC systems.
However, the reliance on rare earth materials such as neodymium and dysprosium poses environmental and economic challenges due to the damaging mining practices and energy-intensive processing involved. China, a key player in the rare earth market, holds a dominant position in mining and processing, creating supply chain vulnerabilities for other regions.
In response to these challenges, companies are exploring alternative solutions, including magnet-free motor designs and rare-earth-free magnets. While rare-earth-free magnets offer a promising alternative, their development can be complex, and they may not match the power of traditional rare-earth magnets.
Niron Magnetics has made significant strides in developing high-performance rare-earth-free magnets using iron and nitrogen, although mass production readiness remains a work in progress after over a decade of research and development.
Materials Nexus’ recent achievement in creating MagNex highlights the potential for AI-driven innovation to revolutionize materials discovery and development. By significantly accelerating the process of creating rare-earth-free magnets, this advancement could pave the way for more sustainable and efficient magnet technologies in various industries.
