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

Environmental Protection, SCIENCE

Catalytic Cracking Processes With Boron Catalyst

Fluid Catalytic Cracking catalyst provides flexibility to mild and moderate-resid feed units. The Borotec portfolio based on BBT uses boron in the catalyst formulation.

ADVANCED ENERGY, Efficient Power Sources, SCIENCE

Boron and Hydropower

Boron inclusive technology shows how we can harness the power from seawater to bring zero-carbon energy worldwide. Decarbonization has been a goal for quite some time, and it seems like this year, governments will finally agree on stricter regulations that would make it possible to achieve this objective by 2050 or sooner. Boron has been working to bring sustainable energy sources for all, and Boron and Hydropower technology is an excellent example of achieving this goal.

FOOD SECURITY

Boron and Borates Provide Stability for Food Security

Studies show that down-regulation of boron transporters can be readily understood as a natural adaptive mechanism for plants to optimize growth and function at different geographical locations with varying natural boron concentrations.

Clean Fuels, Electricity Generation, RESEARCH, Superconductors

Boron Superconducting Powers

Looking for spotless electricity? Hold on, Boron! It's been a while since we've had a blog post about the wonders of Boron. Boron is used to produce clean electricity(yes, it is) which is great for those who are looking to save on their electric bill and reduce...

ADVANCED ENERGY, Efficient Power Sources, Energy Management Systems, Innovation

Hypersonic Flight Made Possible with Boron

What Is Hypersonic Flight? Hypersonic flight is a flight through the atmosphere below about 90 km at speeds ranging between Mach 5-10, a speed where dissociation of air begins to become significant and high heat loads exist. As an aircraft moves through the air,...

Crop Management, FOOD SECURITY, Food Stability, PODCASTS

Podcast – Boron Nutrients in Rice

In today's podcast, we're going to look at boron nutrients in rice plants. Boron nutrition is essential for rice growth and yield. It improves plant water relations and increases the total chlorophyll content in plants. It also enhances the kernel quality and reduces panicle sterility for rice plants.

ADVANCED ENERGY, Efficient Power Sources, Energy Management, Energy Management Systems, PODCASTS

Podcast – Solar Cells: The Science of Solar Energy

In today's podcast, we're going to look at the science of solar energy with solar cells. A solar cell, also called a photovoltaic cell or PV, is the basic building block of a solar power system. It's made up of semiconductor materials that convert sunlight into electricity. But how does it all work? And what role does boron play in solar cells?

FOOD SECURITY

What is Food Security

"Food security is a condition that exists when all people have, at all times, physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life." The Rome Declaration on World Food Security and the World Food Summit Plan of Action.

FOOD SECURITY

Food Security and Boron: A Force For Good

Every year, over 10 million people die of hunger and hunger-related diseases. Nearly six million of these are children under the age of five; that is, a child dies approximately every six seconds. Understanding how this still occurs amid the ever-increasing social...

ADVANCED ENERGY, Efficient Power Sources

Boron in Solar Panels

Boron in solar panels is becoming more important in energy provision for advanced and developing countries. Over the past several decades, solar cell efficiency has steadily increased. This is due in part to the increase in the number of light-absorbing layers in a cell and partly due to boron in solar power working with silicon to optimize the energy generated by sunlight.

ADVANCED ENERGY, MINING

Biden Administration Issues Critical and Strategic Mineral Policy

Biden Administration is taking strategic steps to safeguard the clean energy transition, protecting access and availability of critical minerals such as lithium and boron.

ADVANCED ENERGY, MINING, PODCASTS

Podcast – Novel Applications in BNNTs

Today, we're going to look at novel applications using boron nitride nanotubes. Boron nitride nanotubes, or BNNTs, are mechanically and structurally identical to carbon nanotubes. BNNTs, however, have unique properties that are electrically insulating as well as transparent because of the polarized boron nitride bond.

ADVANCED ENERGY, Agriculture, Anti-fungal, Biocides, Pest Control

Boron in Road Construction

Boron in Road Construction: Boron waste is discharged in the production of borax pentahydrate, borax decahydrate, anhydrous borax, and other compounds, with volumes increasing annually. But there is a solution. Given the right circumstances, boron waste can build a strong road base.

DECARBONIZATION, MINING

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.

ADVANCED ENERGY, APPLICATIONS, Automotive, INDUSTRY SECTORS

Ford Boron Steel Bodywork

Automotive makers, including Ford, are taking advantage of boron's high tensile strength to build stronger, safer, and lighter cars. Boron steel is a crucial ingredient in the Ford Fiesta's pillars and structural elements and its other car brands. Boron steel is steel alloyed with small amounts of boron. It is four times higher than the average high-strength steel.

DECARBONIZATION

Carbon-free Energy Technologies

Carbon Emission and The Greenhouse Effect Fossil fuels, including coal, natural gas, and oil, have fueled the modernization of global economies. While being the fundamental energy drivers for all developed and developing nations over the last century, they have...

Batteries and Capacitors, INDUSTRY SECTORS

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.

Agriculture, Crop Management, DECARBONIZATION, Environmental Protection, Farming, Food Access, Food Availability, Food Stability, Food Utilization, Forests and Parks, Human Health, RESEARCH

Boron – The Building Block of Urbanization

Boron is a metal useful to modern societies for over 100 years. It is most commonly available as borax in household cleaning products. Or, as the boric acid in eye drops and mouthwashes. However, it has many other uses in urbanization. It is present in construction...

ADVANCED ENERGY, DECARBONIZATION, MINING

Boron and Nuclear Fusion

Boron and nuclear fusion: Is Boron the key to Unlocking Energy via Nuclear Fusion? For the past eighty years, scientists have been exploring ways to capture energy to provide an inexhaustible supply of quasi-free, green energy. Boron via laser technologies, may finally provide the key to moving beyond the laboratory to commercialisation.

Food Availability, FOOD SECURITY

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.

ADVANCED ENERGY, Clean Fuels, Efficient Power Sources, Innovation

Clean Fuels Using Boron for a Cleaner Future

Boron is essential when we talk about clean fuels for ecomonical future. The Advanced Energy sector is on fire in recent years as it continues to grow and innovate new technologies. It will power our homes, cars, and businesses for generations. To combat climate change, we need to cut our reliance on fossil fuels. Renewable energy is the answer. We are now in a position where technology is advanced enough.

ADVANCED ENERGY, Batteries and Capacitors

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.

Food Availability, FOOD SECURITY

Food Security: Availability of Food with Boron

With food prices reaching all-time highs and the global population continuing to grow, ensuring food security is a top priority for many governments. This blog post will discuss the physical availability of food on a national and global level, how it can be...

Food Access, Food Availability, FOOD SECURITY, Food Stability

Global Food Dynamics and Boron

Global Food Dynamics and Boron: According to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), nearly 1/3 of all fruit & vegetables produced globally are wasted each year. How can Boron Help alleviate this wastage?

MICRONUTRIENTS, PODCASTS

Podcast – Pregnancy Diet and Boron

Today, we're going to talk about adding boron to the pregnancy diet. This can provide substantial health benefits both for the mother and baby.

DECARBONIZATION, MINING

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.

ADVANCED ENERGY, Nuclear Energy

Boron and Chernobyl

Boron (B₁₀), which comprises about 20% of elemental boron, is one of the best neutron absorbers. It is dissolved in the cooling water of power plants to control the chain reaction, to absorb enough neutrons to remove excess reactivity in PWR plants. In both BWRs and PWRs, it is used in control rods to control reactivity and change the power shape of the core.

APPLICATIONS, Biocides, FOOD SECURITY

Vegetable Garden: An Ultimate Guide To Using Boron

Gardeners looking to add boron to their vegetable garden can do so in various ways. This helpful mineral plays a vital role in plant growth and development and can help improve overall yields. Learn how to add boron to the vegetable garden. Understand the benefits that this mineral can provide not only in the soil but also in the transportation and nutritional value boron brings to garden vegetables, and plants for that matter.

ADVANCED ENERGY, Clean Fuels, Energy Management

Decarbonization Agenda by American Pacific Borates

American Pacific Borates Ltd listed on the ASX (ASX: ABR) is spearheading the decarbonization agenda through borates, the company is actively engaged in efforts to make energy transition and storage sustainable and efficient, while working on solutions for...

ADVANCED ENERGY, Energy Management Systems

Energy Transition: Boron is the Solution

The energy transition employs boron for mitigating climate change. It is used in renewable energy, electrical energy efficiency, and electric mobility.

Agriculture, FOOD SECURITY, Food Stability, PODCASTS

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.

ADVANCED ENERGY, INDUSTRY SECTORS

Boron and U.S. Rare Earths

The U.S. is boosting the stockpile of its rare earth minerals such as cobalt and lithium. Why? Partly to reduce dependence on China and partly to have a strategic policy towards rare earth sourcing and distribution. Rare earths are valuable resources used in E.V. batteries and decarbonization. What is the stance on boron and U.S. rare earths as a critical mineral?

Crop Management, Human Health, PODCASTS

Podcast – Viticulture and Boron

Boron is a trace mineral found in red wine and plays an important role in the body's metabolism. One question often asked is how much boron is there in wine.

Human Health, MICRONUTRIENTS

Increase Libido with Boron Fruit Juice

Mineral boron is a key player in maintaining libido levels and a healthy life. Natural foods and vegetables contain boron which can be enjoyed in the form of Juices. Some of the most popular include celery juice, parsley juice, and broccoli juice.

SCIENCE, Superconductors

Magnesium Diboride: A Promising Superconductor

Magnesium diboride is an inorganic compound made of boron and magnesium. Over years, MgB2 has progressed from a remarkable discovery to a promising superconductor.

DECARBONIZATION

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...

Boron inside - in Boron Neodymium Magnets

ADVANCED ENERGY

Rare Earth Magnet Producers Using Boron to Get Tax Credits

Boron is giving a shot in the arm to North America’s alternate energy transition initiatives, a Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives has introduced legislation to extend tax credits to companies that domestically produce rare earth magnets with boron and other minerals inside.

Agriculture, Crop Management, Environmental Protection

Sustainable Agriculture: A Greener Way to Grow

Sustainable agriculture uses micronutrients such as boron, zinc, and copper to promote soil health and support healthy plant growth.

DECARBONIZATION

Critical Material Boron Powering Decarbonization

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.

ADVANCED ENERGY, Solar

Video – Surge in Interest in the Solar Power Market

The solar power industry is soaring, moved by cost-cutting measures and government incentives encouraging the use of boron for efficient energy storage.

Alkaline Boron – a Balancing Force in Nature

By Borates Today | Agriculture, Alkaline Balancer, Anti Bacteria, AntI-corrosive, Anti-fungal, APPLICATIONS, Crop Management, Farming, Food Access, Food Utilization, Forests and Parks, Human Health, Lubricants

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...

Greener Energy Sources: Boron and Efficient Power Supply

By Borates Today | ADVANCED ENERGY

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.

Renewable Energy Transition: A Switch from Carbon to Metals

By Borates Today | ADVANCED ENERGY, Energy Management

Renewable Energy Transition: A Switch from Carbon to Metals

Renewable energy is an essential tool in the fight against climate change. One key element of this energy transition is the switch from carbon-based materials to metals.

Podcast – Boron Market the Threat of a Shortage

By Borates Today | ADVANCED ENERGY, PODCASTS

Podcast – Boron Market the Threat of a Shortage

Podcast - With new applications demanding boron’s use in decarbonisation and green energy, as well as the traditional applications related to agriculture feeds and commercial applications for glass and ceramic ware, boron is becoming increasingly valuable as a strategic mineral.

Double-Layer Borophene Created in Engineering Breakthrough

By Borates Today | ADVANCED ENERGY

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."

Decarbonization – Planning Future Energy Resources

By Borates Today | ADVANCED ENERGY

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. ...

Advanced Energy – Nissan EV Battery Move

By Borates Today | ADVANCED ENERGY, Batteries and Capacitors

Advanced Energy – Nissan EV Battery Move

Nissan is currently the only automaker with a complete lineup of electric vehicles, including full-electric cars, plug-in hybrids, and zero-emission light commercial vehicles. The company’s goal is to be an industry leader in advanced energy and zero-emission mobility by 2030. As a leader in developing new battery technologies to improve efficiency and power for their lineup of vehicles, use of rare earth metals and near rare earth metals such as boron and lithium is at the heart of the battery power program. But batteries have a limited lifespan. Once it comes to recycling, there is too much waste. Nissan is tackling this problem with Waseda University to produce breakthrough innovations in Electric Vehicles technology.

Elon Musk Tesla Open to Buying a Mining Company

By Borates Today | Automotive, Batteries and Capacitors

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.

Video – Surge in Interest in the Solar Power Market

By Borates Today | ADVANCED ENERGY, Solar

Video – Surge in Interest in the Solar Power Market

The solar power industry is soaring, moved by cost-cutting measures and government incentives encouraging the use of boron for efficient energy storage.

Boron Renewable Energy

By Borates Today | DECARBONIZATION

Boron Renewable Energy

Boron is an essential element of renewable energy. The use of other materials in the production process is reduced. Carbon emissions are decreased by using borates for insulation or fire-retardant purposes. Boron has many properties which make it a good candidate for this purpose. It plays a prominent role as we work to reduce our dependency on traditional methods like fossil fuels.