Magnets: Powering Tomorrow, Sustainably

Dive into the magnetic world with MIT Technology Review's latest scoop on how a startup's breakthrough could turbocharge our fight against climate change. Discover how iron nitride, a material from the '50s, is making a comeback to potentially solve the looming shortage of rare earth metals needed for everything from vacuum cleaners to electric vehicles. Get ready for a twist on magnets that could power up the future without draining the planet!

Magnets, Motors, and a Greener Tomorrow

Imagine the motor in your vacuum cleaner or the one powering the family car. Both devices, though vastly different in use, share a common heartbeat: powerful permanent magnets. These aren't your average fridge magnets but sophisticated components made from rare earth metals, driving everything from electric vehicles (EVs) to wind turbines. As the world shifts towards cleaner energy, the demand for these metals is surging, pushing us towards a potential shortage. This scenario isn't just about gadgets and vehicles; it's a puzzle piece in the larger picture of climate action. A Minnesota startup, Niron Magnetics, is on a quest to solve this with iron nitride, a material that could revolutionize how we make magnets, steering us away from rare earth metals and towards a more sustainable future. This topic isn't just a tale of innovation; it's a story about how science directly impacts our efforts to combat climate change, making it a thrilling exploration for anyone curious about the future of technology and our planet.