Iron-Nickel-Based Supermagnets

Iron-Nickel-Based Supermagnets


Program:
REACT
Award:
$2,216,836
Location:
Boston, Massachusetts
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
02/24/2012 - 12/31/2013

Technology Description:

Northeastern University is developing bulk quantities of rare-earth-free permanent magnets with an iron-nickel crystal structure for use in the electric motors of renewable power generators and EVs. These materials could offer magnetic properties that are equivalent to today's best commercial magnets, but with a significant cost reduction and diminished environmental impact. This iron-nickel crystal structure, which is only found naturally in meteorites and developed over billions of years in space, will be artificially synthesized by the Northeastern University team. Its material structure will be replicated with the assistance of alloying elements introduced to help it achieve superior magnetic properties. The ultimate goal of this project is to demonstrate bulk magnetic properties that can be fabricated at the industrial scale.

Potential Impact:

If successful, Northeastern University's meteorite-inspired magnets would contain no rare earth minerals and could help power a renewable power generator or an EV motor better than today's best commercial magnets.

Security:

The U.S. produces a small fraction globally of industrial rare earths. Developing alternatives to the use of rare earths has the potential to reduce our dependence on these materials and will have a positive impact on our national economic and energy security.

Environment:

The transportation and electric power sectors account for nearly 75% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions each year. Better magnets would support the widespread use of EVs and wind power, significantly reducing these emissions.

Economy:

The U.S. spends nearly $1 billion per day on imported petroleum. Improvements in magnet technology would enable a broader use of EVs, which would help insulate our economy from unexpected spikes in the price of oil.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Ping Liu
Project Contact:
Prof. Laura H. Lewis
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
lhlewis@neu.edu

Partners

University of Massachusetts, Amherst
General Motors
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Columbia University
Arnold Magnetic Technologies

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Release Date:
04/20/2011