VIP Research, Green Materials

Every day the world pushes closer towards decarbonization and clean energy via electrification. This drive towards renewable energies requires a large number of permanent magnets which contain rare-earth elements. These critical materials are unhealthy for the environment, expensive to mine, and sourced almost exclusively from one country. Our goal is to improve the future of clean energy by making an AlMn-B magnet. The constituent elements are clean, abundant, and can be sustainably and ethically produced. To achieve this goal we are conducting various studies. First, we form a low-melting aluminum- boron alloy to avoid the evaporation of manganese in the synthesis of the AlMn-B magnet. Second, we study the impact of raw minerals on the environment. We add manganese to soil samples and measure the uptake of manganese by plants with the intent to use these results as a measure for the environmental impact of mining. Third, we take into account the environmental, social, and economic aspects. By comparing the prices, sourcing, and demand for each of the elements needed in our alloy, we can guarantee it’s sustainablity [sic]. Having a strong magnet of the AlMn-B type would reduce America’s reliance on foreign mining.