A two-step process leads to new ways to make powerful magnets without using heavy and expensive rare earth metals like dysprosium or terbium, according to a study published in Acta Materialia.

The team used materials including light rare-earth elements.

This prevents unwanted chemical reactions and helps the materials spread more effectively, creating powerful magnets without relying on scarce and costly elements.

The findings have significant implications for renewable-energy technologies and electric-vehicle motors, where high-performance permanent magnets are essential.

On a larger scale, the study suggests the method may provide a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional dependent rare-earth magnet production.

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