AI software from Materials Nexus designed MagNex, a high-performance, rare-earth-free permanent magnet recipe, by analyzing over 100 million compositions in just three months, a process 200 times faster than conventional methods.
The demand for permanent magnets is increasing, driven by applications in electric vehicles, wind turbines, robots, and drones, necessitating innovative solutions. Conventional permanent magnets containing rare earth elements like neodymium and dysprosium are costly, environmentally harmful, and face supply chain challenges.
MagNex avoids rare and expensive earth metals, making it more resource-friendly, cheaper (20% of traditional magnets), and emitting 70% less CO2.
The research team collaborated with UK institutions to manufacture and test MagNex, which has economic and sustainability benefits compared to rare earth magnets.
Machine learning algorithms are increasingly used in labs for material discovery, and the successful development of MagNex demonstrates the potential of AI-powered materials design to manage the AI industry's carbon footprint for a greener tech transition.
Sources: ScienceAlert, IFLScience, Techno-Science, All-About-Industries.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.
