Scientists say that the rare earth metal niobium found in a new ore discovered by China could revolutionize battery technology. Chinese scientists have uncovered a never-before-seen type of ore containing a rare earth element that is in demand for its superconducting properties. According to the South China Morning Post, the ore called niobobaotite consists of niobium, barium, titanium, iron and chloride.
Niobium causing a stir: This light gray metal is currently mostly used in the production of steel, where it strengthens without adding significant weight. According to the Royal Society of Chemistry, niobium is also used to make other alloys (materials formed from a mixture of metals) and can be found in particle accelerators and other advanced scientific equipment because it is superconducting at low temperatures. Reportedly, the new ore discovery in Inner Mongolia’s Baotou city could be a windfall for China, which currently imports 95 percent of its niobium.
According to scientists, this discovery by China can make the country self-sufficient. But of course this will depend on the volume and quality of the niobium. On the other hand, Brazil is the largest supplier of this rare earth metal in the world, and Canada ranks second. At the same time, the USA is working on a niobium mine project in Nebraska.
Revolutionary For Electric Cars
Niobium is also important for batteries. Researchers are working to develop niobium-lithium and niobium-graphene batteries. According to experts, these batteries can reduce the risk of fire when used with lithium. Niobium-lithium batteries also charge faster and can be charged more frequently than traditional lithium batteries.
China Discovered A Never-Before-Seen Ore
Chinese scientists have uncovered a never-before-seen type of ore containing a rare earth element that is in demand for its superconducting properties. According to the South China Morning Post, the ore called niobobaotite consists of niobium, barium, titanium, iron and chloride.
Niobium causing a stir: This light gray metal is currently mostly used in the production of steel, where it strengthens without adding significant weight. According to the Royal Society of Chemistry, niobium is also used to make other alloys (materials formed from a mixture of metals) and can be found in particle accelerators and other advanced scientific equipment because it is superconducting at low temperatures. Reportedly, the new ore discovery in Inner Mongolia’s Baotou city could be a windfall for China, which currently imports 95 percent of its niobium.
China Discovered A Never-Before-Seen Ore
According to scientists, this discovery by China can make the country self-sufficient. But of course this will depend on the volume and quality of the niobium. On the other hand, Brazil is the largest supplier of this rare earth metal in the world, and Canada ranks second. At the same time, the USA is working on a niobium mine project in Nebraska.
Revolutionary For Electric Cars
Niobium is also important for batteries. Researchers are working to develop niobium-lithium and niobium-graphene batteries. According to experts, these batteries can reduce the risk of fire when used with lithium. Niobium-lithium batteries also charge faster and can be charged more frequently than traditional lithium batteries.
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In May, researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS), who developed niobium-graphene batteries, said the batteries could last around 30 years – 10 times longer than lithium-ion batteries – and be fully charged in less than 10 minutes. Therefore, this rare metal may be in much higher demand in the future.