PLANET BORON
We have only one planet. Resources are finite, and it is our joint responsibility to take action to make the world a better place for future generations. Planet Boron is an initiative by Borates Today to harness the strengths and benefits of one of the world’s most precious resources – BORON – and publish news and events about boron’s availability, applications, benefits for achieving the collective vision and shared goals as we embrace multiple goals related to four key areas: Decarbonization; Advanced Energy, Food Security and Micronutrients.
DECARBONIZATION
ADVANCED ENERGY
FOOD SECURITY
MICRONUTRIENTS
Boron in Electronic Devices
Boron-infused components and advance materials are being used by electronics manufactures in many ways to improve and enhance consumer and industrial electrical devices. Boron in electronic and smart devices offer a longer product life, provide better energy performance – longer battery life -, give off less heat, offer low resistance protection against electrical currents, are wear-resistant, and act as protective coatings and add strength to metals and glass.
Podcast – Boron and Food Security
In today's podcast, we're going to look at boron and food security. Boron plays a considerable role in food utilization, principally by improving the nutritional value of fertilizers for plant growth development. It also increases crop yield through increased nitrogen fixation rates in soils deficient in micronutrients.
Decarbonization and Boron
Rio Tinto Mine. The Serbian government has finally revoked Rio Tinto's licenses for lithium exploration in Serbia in the latter part of January 2022. The government gave in to the protesters who have been opposed to the Anglo-Australian mining company's project on environmental grounds. Last year, the company committed to the project as global miners push for metals necessary to transition to green energy. This includes lithium which is used in the production of electric vehicle batteries. The project was already suspended in December 2021 due to environmental deterioration and forced displacement concerns.
Geothermal Energy Could Solve Lithium Shortage
The potential for geothermal energy to provide a sustainable and reliable energy source is well known. But what is less appreciated is geothermal energy's role in solving one of the 21st century's most pressing challenges.
Podcast – EV Batteries and Boron
In today's podcast, we're going to look at electric vehicle, EV batteries. Electric vehicle batteries are rechargeable batteries that power electric cars bikes and scooters. They are specifically designed to give power over a sustained period and are deep cycle batteries.
Boron, ESG and the Mining Industry
The ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) framework is growing in significance for mining companies, including those involved in boron extraction. ESG is a set of practices that mines have to comply with to ensure their future sustainability. It will become an integral part of every mining operation worldwide shortly. ESG compliance is difficult for some mines because it requires them to alter their production methods or management style. However, it is not only possible but necessary.
Mining Companies Supporting Clean Energy
The clean energy transition is underway, and miners play a critical role in supporting this global effort. Boron, for example, is a key ingredient in batteries and other storage technologies that will be essential to integrating renewables into the grid.
Biogeochemical Cycle of Boron
The biogeochemical cycle of boron is active in three main areas: the atmosphere, terrestrial, and marine (hydrosphere). Boron is present in trace amounts in these reservoirs and plays a vital role in many geochemical processes.
Boron in Coffee
Coffee is one of the most susceptible crops to boron shortage. Boron in coffee is needed for coffee cultivation to improve yield and support healthy growth via cell divisions and cell wall formation in association with calcium, water uptake, roots growth, growth of internodes, setting, calcium uptake, lower aluminum toxicity, and drought resistance.
Boron Rocket Fuel
Boron Rocket Fuel: Boron has a high intrinsic energy density. It is inexpensive, plentiful, and stable, making it a good choice for solid rocket fuels and an additive for jet fuels to increase their energy output. However, the oxide shell and its impurities make boron unreliable at the ignition point. Research is ongoing into overcoming these impurities so that boron fuel may be used more widely in space travel.
Boron in Agriculture
The use of boron is a crucial component to farming success. Because without adequate levels, crops cannot grow or can harvest successfully. Soil with inadequate amounts of elemental boron does not provide enough nutrients that plants need to survive. Thus, it leads them into an unhealthy state which causes their growth rates to decrease immensely. This happens not just when first planted but also during maturity and harvest periods.
Boron in Energy Conservation
In response to energy conservation demands, energy conservation is a system has for some time been implemented in homes, as well as industrial and commercial sectors. When we talk about energy conservation, boron is the most efficient and naturally occurring chemical. Energy consumption adversely affects the economy on all levels; high energy costs are an impediment to economic development for any country. A determined effort needs are taken by both private individuals & large businesses alike to reduce their input of "energy" into our global ecosystem - which includes many aspects including economic output (gross domestic product).
Borates in Adhesives
Borates in Adhesives: Borates are used for home and commercial use. For commercial use, they are commonly used in adhesives by the paperboard and corrugated paper industries. The primary chemical compounds for adhesive applications are sodium decahydrate, borax decahydrate, and boric acid.
Boron Nitride Powers Thermal Conductivity
Boron nitride, also known as "white graphite," is a semiconductor material that conducts electricity. It is chemically inert and electrically insulating with no bandgap in the bulk phase that would allow it to emit light when excited by an energy source. Because of its excellent thermal conductivity properties, layers of boron nitride are often added onto other materials like silicon carbide (SiC) for use in high-efficiency power devices like thermoelectric cooler packages (TECs).
DECARBONIZATION: Oil and Gas Sector Focus
It is no secret that the world needs decarbonization. For our planet to remain habitable, we need to lower the number of greenhouse gases in the air. Decarbonizing a material refers to lowering the amount or the intensity of carbon in it or by lowering the amount...
Balancing Habitat versus Critical Mineral Mining
Balancing Habitat versus Critical Mineral Mining: Lithium and boron are two examples of crucial minerals essential in reducing our planet's carbon footprint for industries such as defense, automotive, construction, aviation, and aerospace. It is challenging to preserve the natural environment when starting new mines to extract these resources. How do companies such as Rio Tinto, American Pacific Borates (currently rebranding to 5E Advanced Materials), and Ioneer manage this dilemma and obtain the permits necessary in their respective locations?
Greener Energy Sources: Boron and Efficient Power Supply
Boron is a key element in the manufacture of efficient power sources. It is an important component in nuclear reactors and other types of generators. Boron also provides safe, reliable energy for homes, businesses, and industry. It can generate electricity efficiently and safely using its unique properties.
Double-Layer Borophene Created in Engineering Breakthrough
Research has led to a double-layer of borophene for the first time. This is significant because it could lead to faster, more efficient electronics that are also smaller and lighter than current models. Borophene is under study for less than 10 years but already holds potential as an exciting new material in engineering. The research team hopes that this will be the first step towards creating "graphene on steroids."
Boron on the Farm
Boron in farming- Boron has long been associated with crops like beet and brassicas and it is important for all crops but at different levels This article first appeared in The Famers Journal on 13 December, 2021 and appears on Borates Today by permission. © Andy Doyle, The Farmers Journal https://farmersjournal.ie Boron on the Farm
Lithium Battery Pack Prices Set to Soar
Lithium battery packs have skyrocketed in price over the past two years, and this surge looks poised to continue with no signs of subsiding through 2023.
Deloitte Clean Tech Index
The Deloitte Australia Clean Tech (DACT) index is a global comparative ranking of companies. They rank organizations by recognizing their innovative and sustainable approach to business. Clean Tech stocks listed in Australia and was launched in 2008.
Boron’s Importance in Maintaining the Health of Coral Reefs
Boron is an essential element in our daily lives and crucial for a successful reef tank. It is necessary to ensure the health of corals and invertebrates.
Underground Mining Pursuit: Hard Rock Mining
Underground mining is a practice that delves deep for precious metals, gems and other valuable minerals. Hard rock mining venture to extract minerals from hard ore or sedimentary rocks.
Podcast – Boron-based Polymers for EV Storage
In today's podcast, we're going to look at boron-based polymers for EV storage. Boron-based polymers such as BNNTs or boron nitride, nanotubes are two-dimensional nanomaterials with excellent properties for improving electric vehicle energy storage, given their high surface areas, large aspect ratios, and good thermal conductivity.
The Solar Power Market is Booming
The solar power market is growing with the demand for renewable energy sources. As per the precedence research, it is estimated to grow with a 7.2% CAGR during 2022-2030.
Podcast – Boron 101
Today, we're going to talk about boron 101 - its chemical properties, where it's found and the mining processes to extract boron from the ground, applications, market size, and demand for boron. Boron 101.
Boron and Daily Diet
Boron is an essential mineral in our daily diet. Boron can be found in foods such as fruits and vegetables. If you are showing signs of Boron deficiency such as brittle fingernails. hair loss, muscle weakness, joint pain, supplements may be required. Boron is typically taken as borax, boric acid, or as a boron citrate supplement for those looking to include Boron in a regular diet.
Food Hunger and Boron
Food Hunger and Boron: In 2020, between 720 and 811 million people faced hunger. In a world of plenty, where enough food is produced to feed everyone on the planet, hunger should be a thing of the past. However, conflict, climate change, disasters, inequality, and – most recently – the COVID-19 pandemic means one in nine people globally is still going to bed hungry, and famine looms for millions, states the World Food Programme (WFP). Boron can help to dramatically improve food yields and is a vital micronutrient in human health.
Magnesium Boron Mixture For Energy Innovations
A magnesium/boron mechanical mixture is being developed for energy innovations. The combination of these two materials creates a strong and lightweight composite that has the potential to be used in a variety of energy applications.
Alfalfa Plant Needs A Powerful Dose Of Boron
Alfalfa plant need boron to thrive and reach their full potential. It's a trace element, but even in small amounts, it can make all the difference for this plant.
Elon Musk Tesla Open to Buying a Mining Company
Tesla is willing to buy a mining company if it means facilitating the global adoption of clean energy technologies,” says CEO Elon Musk.
Porous Boron Nitride
The formation and applications of porous Boron Nitride have been the subject of popular research lately. Its high porosity and thermal stability will help pave the way for improving large-scale industrial gas and liquid separations, such as those used in carbon capture or water treatment processes by reducing the amount of energy required.
Managing Malnutrition with Boron
Boron is important in the development of bones, teeth, and other tissues. Boron deficiency can lead to problems like osteoporosis, poor bone density leading to fractures, and malnutrition. Boron is required for strong fetal skeletons in the earliest stages of pregnancy.
Boron Fertilizer and Corn Plant Yield
The corn plant is a popular houseplant for its attractive and shiny leaves. Corn is a major food source for humans and animals and is used to manufacture many products, including biofuels. But did you know that a corn plant needs boron to grow and develop properly?
Boron Advanced Energy: Special Report
Borate Today's Special Report on Advanced Energy looks into the issues surrounding this hot topic and examines how Boron and Borates can support initiatives and innovations to improve energy supplies and energy management systems. This free report is available for download today and covers the following topics:
FEAM And Solar Energy Systems
5E Advanced Materials, Inc. (“5E”) (Nasdaq: FEAM)(ASX: 5EA) has signed a research agreement with Boston College to explore the creation of innovative solar energy systems to help make renewable energy more affordable and accessible.
Podcast – Boron Fertilisers
Today, we're going to look at the role of fertilizers in agriculture and in food security. The worldwide fertilizer market, which includes boron fertilizers is estimated to grow with a CAGR of 1.6, 9% up to 2027.
Boron Malnutrition Efforts
Boron is a critical raw material for many sectors such as solar cells, fiber optics, and semiconductor manufacturing. Boron production is also tied to other elements like lithium which are increasingly in demand.
Alkaline Boron – a Balancing Force in Nature
Alkaline Balancing pH is a key component to creating an environment that is healthy for life. Boron, a non-metal found harmlessly and naturally combined with oxygen as borates, helps create this balance. Boron is a key element that can be beneficial for your health...
Rio Tinto Decarbonization
Rio Tinto announced a $7.5 billion plan to reduce carbon emissions to 50% by 2030 in October 2021. Rio Tinto stated that it aimed to reduce carbon emissions by half by 2020 as steel and iron ore producers push for compliance with international climate commitments. Rio pushed forward its 2020 target for a 15% reduction of emissions from 2018, five years earlier than it had previously planned.
Decarbonization – Planning Future Energy Resources
The world is in a climate crisis and the key is to reduce carbon emissions as much as possible. Decarbonization requires technology and operational cost reductions. It is one way to reduce carbon emissions while also providing a stable economic future for society. ...
Podcast – Boron Energy Storage
Boron Energy Storage: The energy sector is transforming as the increased penetration of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar is driving the need for energy storage solutions that can help balance the grid.
Underground Mining Pursuit: Hard Rock Mining
Underground mining is a practice that delves deep for precious metals, gems and other valuable minerals. Hard rock mining venture to extract minerals from hard ore or sedimentary rocks.
Podcast – Boron 101
Today, we're going to talk about boron 101 - its chemical properties, where it's found and the mining processes to extract boron from the ground, applications, market size, and demand for boron. Boron 101.
Gender Inequality In The Face of Food Insecurity
Gender inequality contributes significantly to food insecurity. Boron is an essential micronutrient that aids in the improvement of food security and, there are implications for gender equality by increasing agricultural production efficiencies.
Greener Energy Sources: Boron and Efficient Power Supply
Boron is a key element in the manufacture of efficient power sources. It is an important component in nuclear reactors and other types of generators. Boron also provides safe, reliable energy for homes, businesses, and industry. It can generate electricity efficiently and safely using its unique properties.
Decarbonization Magic Ingredient – Boron
Many people are not aware that Boron has a huge role in decarbonization. The process of decarbonization is the removal of carbon from fuels and other sources to reduce their emissions. One such source is natural gas, which contains significant amounts of carbon...
Sustainable Farming: 5 Tips For A Greener Future
Sustainable farming is an approach to agriculture that focuses on producing food in an environmentally sustainable way. There are various such practices that are explained in the article.
Mining Companies Supporting Clean Energy
The clean energy transition is underway, and miners play a critical role in supporting this global effort. Boron, for example, is a key ingredient in batteries and other storage technologies that will be essential to integrating renewables into the grid.
Boron – The Secret Behind New Battery Formats
BNNT - BORON NITRATE NANOTUBES ARE THE KEY TO LONGER BATTERY LIFEWith the growing need for eco-friendly power as a result of environmental concerns, developing batteries with high power is of increasing relevance. Li-S batteries are attracting much interest in both...