High-Entropy Borides Promise Rare-Earth-Free Magnets for Electronics

In a breakthrough for material science, a team led by Beeson has unveiled rare-earth-free magnets using high-entropy borides, specifically the (FeCoNiMn)2B variant. These advanced alloys, deposited in precise layers, demonstrate significant magnetic anisotropy and a clear easy axis, essential for high-performance permanent magnets. Traditionally, such properties depend on heavy rare earth elements like dysprosium and terbium, which are vital for consumer electronics such as smartphone speakers, hard drives, and electric vehicle motors but face persistent supply bottlenecks due to China's export restrictions.

The innovation lies in high-entropy alloys (HEAs), where multiple elements are combined in near-equal ratios to create unique microstructures. By varying the deposition order of iron, cobalt, nickel, and manganese into boride films, the researchers achieved superior magnetic coercion compared to other configurations. This approach sidesteps the mining and refining challenges of rare earths, which dominate 91% of global processing capacity and are seeing price premiums in sectors like robotics, AI data centers, and defense electronics.

This development arrives at a critical juncture. China's dual-use export controls, tightened in early 2026 targeting Japan, threaten magnet production worldwide, as Japan holds 15% of advanced rare-earth magnet manufacturing. Heavy rare earths like yttrium, lutetium, terbium, and dysprosium—key for high-temperature performance in electronics and aerospace—are particularly disrupted, with non-Chinese supplies not scaling until 2027. Meanwhile, demand surges from EVs, wind turbines, and gadgets, amplifying the need for alternatives.

While still in proof-of-concept stage, these boride magnets could reduce reliance on geopolitically sensitive materials. Experts note that processing remains the 'pinch point' for rare earths, making HEAs a promising path for sustainable tech. If scaled, they might power next-generation batteries, displays, and sensors without compromising performance, fostering resilient supply chains for the electronics industry.