| Abstract Scope |
High-performance permanent magnets such as NdFeB and SmCo rely on critical elements including neodymium (Nd), dysprosium (Dy), terbium (Tb), and cobalt (Co), creating supply-chain vulnerabilities and increasing costs. Developing alternative magnet technologies with reduced criticality is essential for improving supply security and economic competitiveness.
This work explores several material systems and processing approaches aimed at reducing dependence on critical elements while maintaining attractive magnetic performance. A key strategy is the substitution of Nd and Dy with abundant rare-earth elements such as cerium (Ce) and lanthanum (La), which constitute the majority of domestic rare-earth resources. Examples include Ce-rich 2:17-type nitride magnets, (Ce,Sm)₂Fe₁₇Nₓ, Ce-containing 1:12-type compounds, (Ce,Sm)Fe₁₁M (M = refractory metal), and castable derivatives of SmCo magnets. These materials combine reduced critical material content with innovative processing routes that simplify manufacturing and offer pathways toward cost-effective, scalable permanent magnet production. |