Bypassing electrolysis: one-step calciothermic route from Nd2O3 to Nd2Fe14B

line graph shows magnetization of Nd2Fe14B material produced by calciothermic reduction followed by post-processing and washing at different conditions.
Magnetization of Nd2Fe14B material produced by calciothermic reduction followed by post-processing and washing at different conditions.

CMI researchers from Ames National Laboratory conducted the activity for this highlight

Innovation 
Washing optimization significantly improves magnetic properties of Nd2Fe14B permanent magnet powders obtained via a one-step calciothermic reduction.

Achievement
Produced Nd2Fe14B powders with nearly ideal magnetization (99% theoretical) by post-processing the heat-treated samples before washing.

Significance and Impact
One-step calciothermic procedure circumvents the energy-intensive neodymium metallization process with direct production of Nd2Fe14B permanent magnets from Nd2O3  and Fe/FeB, Our innovation brings a significant improvement to the post-processing, bringing us one step closer to successful magnet demonstration.

Hub Target Addressed
Energy-efficient rare earth metals production.

line graph shows Magnetization of Nd2Fe14B material produced by calciothermic reduction followed by post-processing and washing at different conditions.
Magnetization of Nd2Fe14B material produced by calciothermic reduction followed by post-processing and washing at different conditions.