The slow process of discovering new materials is being transformed by artificial intelligence (AI). AI enables the discovery and experimental verification of new materials entirely through computational methods.
Materials Nexus, a company at the forefront of this revolution, has used AI to create a permanent magnet without any rare earths. This breakthrough is just the beginning, according to Robert Forrest, Chief Technical Officer and co-founder of Materials Nexus. The company aims to accelerate the transition to a net-zero economy with a diverse pipeline of material candidates.
Rare earth elements are traditionally difficult to find, mine, and process. However, an AI-based materials discovery platform has produced a rare-earth-free permanent magnet in just three months. This new magnet, called MagNex, has been verified experimentally by collaborators at the University of Sheffield and the Royce Institute. “Our measurements confirm that MagNex meets the standard criteria for permanent magnets,” Forrest explained.
The financial competitiveness of MagNex is also notable. “It’s predicted to be around 50% cheaper per kilogram than neodymium-based magnets,” Forrest said. This cost reduction could accelerate the production of wind turbines and electric vehicles, essential for the transition to a green economy.
Materials Nexus anticipates that demand for rare earth magnets will soon outpace supply. The electric vehicle industry alone is expected to increase its use of these magnets up to tenfold by 2030. However, the rare earth metals required, such as neodymium and dysprosium, face significant supply chain vulnerabilities.
Using AI, Materials Nexus aims to address other high-value areas in the green transition, including semiconductors, superconductors, and catalysts. “Our systematic approach makes material discovery intentional, cheaper, faster, and more environmentally friendly than ever before,” Forrest said.
AI-powered materials design will impact the entire field of materials science, predicts Materials Nexus CEO Dr. Jonathan Bean. “This technology is not only revolutionizing magnetics but also the broader scope of materials science,” he stated.
Materials Nexus’s AI-driven discoveries mark a significant advancement in material science, potentially transforming various industries and accelerating the global shift to sustainable technologies.
Source: Mining Weekly
