An ore containing unprecedented amounts of a special element widely used in semiconductors has been discovered in China, which could lead to new advances in battery technology.
Geologists have found the rare earth metal niobium in a new mineral called niobobotite from Inner Mongolia in northern China.
This rare earth metal is widely used in jet engines and rockets and has been shown to exhibit unusual current flow properties at low temperatures.
Some researchers have stated that batteries made from niobium have several advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Until now, the main source of niobium has been the ore columbite, which is mined extensively in Canada, Brazil, Australia and Nigeria. China obtains about 95 percent of this factor for its steel industry through imports.
If geologists can prove that niobium can be extracted in sufficient quantity and quality, experts say it could help make China ‘self-sufficient’, reports the South China Morning Post newspaper. .
According to the China National Nuclear Corporation, the government body responsible for overseeing China’s civilian and military nuclear programs, neobobotite has received formal approval from the International Mineralogical Association’s Classification Committee.
Brazilian Metallurgy and Mining Company (CBMM) advanced lithium-ion Batteries is working on new projects on the use of niobium to make
China’s state news agency Xinhua reported earlier this year that CBMM is partnering with universities, research centers and battery makers to improve the use of the rare earth element in lithium batteries. .
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Antonio Castro Neto, director of the National University of Singapore’s Center for Advanced Materials, said earlier this year that niobium batteries are expected to offer several advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries, including safety risks, shorter life cycles and longer lifespans. Charging There are problems like time.
“We have made significant progress in the development of niobium-graphene batteries that are proving to be game-changers in safety, performance and durability,” said Dr Neto.
Niobium-graphene batteries can last up to 10 times longer than traditional lithium-ion batteries, making them last an estimated 30 years and are more durable and reliable, the researchers say.
These batteries, which are currently under development, can be fully charged in less than 10 minutes, he said.
“Because of their long lifespan, the new graphene-niobium batteries significantly lower overall costs compared to existing lithium-ion batteries and are ultra-fast,” CBMM’s global head of batteries Rogerio Ribas said in a statement. Has charging capability. Also, they offer excellent protection as there is no risk of cracking even at high temperatures.’
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