CMI researchers at Ames Laboratory conducted the research for this highlight
Achievements
- Demonstrated a 40 °C enhancement of the thermal stability of (Sm1-xRx)2Fe17N3, where R = La and Ce, and x = 0.25. When R = La, magnetic properties comparable to the parent Sm2Fe17N3 are retained, as evidenced by Hc = 16-19 kOe and BHmax = 8.5-8.7 MGOe.
- Discovered that high-pressure nitrogenation achieves stoichiometry of 3 nitrogen atoms per formula unit, required for best permanent magnet performance, and suppresses precipitation of soft a-Fe.
- Developed synthesis protocols that consistently yield Sm2Fe17N3 with >95 % purity in 1 g quantities with Hc of 20-25 kOe and BHmax approaching 10 MGOe.
Significance and impact
- Criticality and cost: mostly Fe (~74% wt.%), and abundant, non-critical rare earths – Sm, La, and Ce.
- Strong competitor of Nd-based magnets with comparable, and potentially better permanent magnet properties.
Details and next steps
Enhance thermal stability by co-doping with transition metals and p-block elements, such as Si and Al.
