Researchers Develop Nanoparticle Replacement for Rare-Earth Magnets

European researchers have developed a way to make nanoparticles that could replace pricey rare-earth metals used in high-strength permanent magnets for electric motors.

The team employed a new one-step synthetic process with a mixed iron-cobalt oleate structure to produce magnetic core-shell nanoparticles. This has resulted in a “huge improvement” in the material’s energy-storing capability and in controlling the quality of the heterostructures, according to the researchers.

The research, which was partially funded by the European Commission, is detailed in the journal Chemistry of Materials.

The price of rare earth materials, which are found primarily in China, has soared in recent years. In addition to electric motors for hybrid and electric cars, the material is used in automotive catalysts, wind turbines, LCD substrates and mobile phones.