August 2023 Metallurgy Blog
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August 15, 2023
New Chromium Compounds Could Replace Noble Metals in Some Applications
New Chromium Compounds Could Replace Noble Metals in Some Applications
Noble metals can now be replaced by chromium in certain applications thanks to a recent discovery made by the University of Basel. Noble metals such as gold, platinum, osmium, and ruthenium are used extensively in today’s technological world. Such metals can often be found in smart phones, tablets, screens, computers, and other devices. Some of the metals are also used for important energy conversion processes such as converting sunlight into usable solar energy. Unfortunately, noble metals are rare and as a result are very costly to source, not to mention that the high demand for noble metals pushes prices even higher. This is why scientists have tried to develop cost-effective alternatives that can carry out the same functions as the more expensive metals. Past studies have looked into using iron or copper, having little success due to their inferior luminescent and catalytic properties. This new study looked to create new chromium compounds that could match the luminescent and catalytic properties of noble metals, and the researchers had great success in creating a chromium compound that could rival osmium and ruthenium. The new chromium-based compounds are proving to be excellent catalysts for photochemical reactions. Additionally, the new chromium materials have luminescent properties as good as some osmium compounds. Chromium is much more common on earth than osmium, being about 20,000 times more abundant and much more cost effective. Nevertheless, there are some obstacles to overcome before the material is ready to be used. Learn more here.
August 31, 2023
Venture Capitalists Invest Millions in Mining Tech Startups
Venture Capitalists Invest Millions in Mining Tech Startups
With the electric vehicle boom underway major firms and venture capitalists look to invest in mining tech startups that are pioneering novel advanced technology for the mining of precious metals needed to power EVs such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. These mining tech start ups are adapting several technologies from various fields including biochemical engineering and autonomous vehicles and using them to facilitate detection of mineral rich ore among rock and other mineral structures. The new mining tech would also make the extraction of precious materials faster and more cost-effective. In a recent wave of investments GM lead a $50 Million funding round for EnergyX(Texas based), a mining tech startup developing technology to increase the efficiency of lithium extraction and processing from salt flats. Another startup Aether Biomachines (California based) raised $49 million in a series A round led by venture capital firms Unless Partners and Natural Capital. Aether is developing technology to extract lithium from less concentrated deposits that would otherwise be considered cost -inefficient to mine. Australia based Plotlogic raised $28 Million in a series b round co led by Galvanize. Plotlogic’s technology integrates lidar technology used in autonomous vehicles with hyperspectral imaging sensors and machine learning to detect mineral rich ore in rock. Learn more here.
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