What is tetratenite and what are its benefits?

Tetratyenite is a metal with a tetragonal structure consisting of tenite, an alloy of nickel and iron. Its properties are similar to those of rare earth metals used to create powerful magnets in consumer electronics, electric vehicles, military equipment and renewable energy systems.

Rare earth metals are a component of vital parts of industry and technology. These are key components for computing as well as any new technology that fuels or supports the energy transition.
– explains Ariel Cohen, senior researcher at the Atlantic Council.

• In 2022, a team led by Lindsay Greer of the University of Cambridge announced the successful synthesis of tetratenite from the very common metals nickel and iron on Earth.
• At about the same time, engineers at Boston Northeastern University (NEU), led by Laura Lewis, announced nearly identical production methods, except for what they called “existential stress.” It involves multiplying or grinding the product to force the atoms to form tetragonal shapes.

This man-made metal could replace rare earth metals such as neodymium and praseodymium in the future. So why is it so important? The fact is that the demand for rare earth metals is increasing with the increase in the global population and the corresponding increase in the production of electronic devices. However, the extraction of this resource occurs in only a few places in the world and is associated with environmental risks. China controls 70% of the world’s rare earth metals production and thus has influence over the West. and threatens to cut materials. For example, the country had already limited its exports of gallium and germanium, which are used in chip manufacturing, earlier this month.

a new hope

Thanks to the research of the scientists who synthesized tetratenite, this metal could become a real alternative to rare earth metals and offer an environmentally friendly alternative.

This is more than a shortcoming. Because the methods required for the processing of the ore extracted from the soil are really harmful to the environment, I can even say harmful.
Laura Lewis says.

But it is still too early to rejoice. Industrial production of tetratenite remains a difficult task. Scientists have made significant advances in their laboratories, but so far they have only been able to obtain microscopic amounts of this unique metal, which requires special conditions to form.

The researchers say the road from experiments to mass production is still long and requires additional research and innovation. But it’s a very good sign that one day tetratenite could be the key to creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for electronics and technology. If scientists can overcome the technical barriers to its production, the metal could transform global supply chains and reduce reliance on rare earth metals and totalitarian Chinese policies.