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

The Future of Solar: Boron and Energy Efficiency

Energy transition is a hot topic these days, and one way that scientists have been working on reducing our dependence on fossil fuels has been through solar panels. Boron plays an integral role in the efficiency of solar panels- without it, photovoltaic cells would not be able to convert light into electricity as efficiently.

MICRONUTRIENTS

Micronutrient Deficiency, Boron and the WHO

Carbon Cycle, DECARBONIZATION, Environmental Protection

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.

ADVANCED ENERGY, Efficient Power Sources

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.

Agriculture, FOOD SECURITY, PODCASTS

Podcast – Sustainable Agriculture and Boron

In today's podcast, we're going to look at sustainable agriculture. Sustainable agriculture uses micronutrients such as boron, zinc, and copper to promote soil health and support healthy plant growth.

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.

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.

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.

Batteries and Capacitors, Efficient Power Sources, Electricity Generation

Boron Powers Neodymium Magnets

Agriculture, Crop Management, FOOD SECURITY

Boron Levels in Apple Orchards

Too much or too little Boron can be harmful when growing fruit. Apple farmers are using scientific approaches to get the right balance of Boron at acceptable levels for nutritious apples. Apples contain many health benefits. A medium apple contains 0.66 mg of Boron, fibre, vitamin C, and potassium.

Agriculture, Crop Management, Farming

Boron Deficiency in Plants: Symptoms and Cures

Boron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency that causes crop production and quality losses. But what are its symptoms and cures?

FOOD SECURITY

Boron and Food Security Utilization

Food Utilization, or food metabolization, is one of three drivers of Food Security (the other two being Availability and Accessibility). Food Utilization is all about the ability of animals and humans to use and benefit from nutrients in their food either through absorption or intake via the proper natural consumption of food.

Carbon Cycle, DECARBONIZATION

Carbon Capture Funding and Boron

Carbon capture technology has been developed for coal-fired power plants with FECM support for over two decades. Over 20 successful pilot-scale projects have been implemented including a showcase demonstration project which captures and stores over one million metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.

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.

Chemistry, Food Access, Human Health

Boron in Beer

Boron can be found in beer production and in beer itself. Borax and Boron are extensively used to clean equipment in production. Now researcher have found that boron can be used to produce ammonium more efficiently.

ADVANCED ENERGY

Wind Turbine: The Need for Permanent Magnet

Magnets in wind turbines are revolutionizing energy production, providing a steady supply of electricity with their reliable magnetic powertrain.

ADVANCED ENERGY, MINING, PODCASTS

Podcast – The Solar Power Market is Red Hot

The solar power market is growing with the demand for renewable energy sources.

DECARBONIZATION

DECARBONIZATION: Oil and Gas Sector Focus

ADVANCED ENERGY, PODCASTS

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.

Agriculture, Crop Management, FOOD SECURITY

Boron Benefits Mango Fruit Yields And Quality

Mango fruit is one of the most popular fruits in the world, known for its sweet taste and juicy flesh. But did you know that boron plays an important role in mango fruit quality? What happens if mangoes are boron-deficient? And, how can the boron level be improved for higher yields and quality?

ADVANCED ENERGY, DECARBONIZATION, Energy Management, Industrial emissions

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).

Agriculture, Human Health

Canola Needs Boron to Thrive

Canola is a Brassica family member with especially high boron requirements. Boron deficiency significantly impacts seed production; yields are doubled when 2 lbs of boron per acre are applied to the canola field with no visual anomalies.

ADVANCED ENERGY

Boron Rewrites the Rules for the Automotive Industry

With electric vehicles becoming more popular, new material is needed for battery electrodes that can accommodate these changes. Boron is an excellent candidate because of its ability to efficiently transmit electrons while also being lightweight and inexpensive. It's not just used in batteries; it's also used as a coolant for engines and brakes, as well as a strengthening agent for steel alloys.

ADVANCED ENERGY

Boron Magnets to Drive Powertrains

Boron is a key component for making permanent magnets. It creates stronger magnetic fields than other types of materials. Permanent magnets use boron to create the necessary poles that can be magnetized and demagnetized over and over again.

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.

ADVANCED ENERGY, Efficient Power Sources, Energy Management, SPECIAL REPORTS

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:

ADVANCED ENERGY, Efficient Power Sources, Nuclear Energy, PODCASTS

Podcast – Boron and Nuclear Fusion

In today's podcast, we're going to look at boron and nuclear fusion. Is boron the key to unlocking energy via nuclear fusion? For the past 80 years, scientists have been exploring ways to capture energy, to provide an inexhaustible supply of quasi- free green energy.

Chemistry, Crop Management, SCIENCE

How Toxic is Boron?

How toxic is Boron? Despite its low toxicity, boron can still be dangerous to humans if consumed in large amounts. It is well-known that excess boron can also affect plant growth and reproduction. In fact, toxicity of boron is considered one of the major causes of reduced crop production. In plants, high concentrations of boron can retard vegetative growth and decrease seed set.

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

Agriculture, Alkaline Balancer, Anti Bacteria, AntI-corrosive, Anti-fungal, Crop Management, Environmental Protection, Farming, Forests and Parks, MICRONUTRIENTS, Pest Control, Wood Protection

How Boron Helps Your Garden Thrive

Crop Management, FOOD SECURITY

Boron Essential for Plants

Boron Essential for Plants: Boron is a vital nutrient for plants. It plays a crucial role in regulating the development of root and shoot meristem and thus helps complete the life cycles of plants from seed germination to fully-grown plant.

DECARBONIZATION

Boron and Carbon Footprint

Boron carbon footprint - A major problem in the world today is climate change and it has been a long-debated topic. Some people are convinced that it is not happening, while others think the world is doomed to an uninhabitable fate. The truth is that climate change is happening and we must reduce its impact on our lives. The Earth's temperature has been increasing over time, and this will have a major impact on our planet.

ADVANCED ENERGY, Batteries and Capacitors

Boron in Green Sodium Batteries

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.

ADVANCED ENERGY, Batteries and Capacitors, RESEARCH

Boron Salts for Batteries

Boron salts for batteries is part of ongoing studies into boron's use to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries. Boron salts and boron nanotubes are two new materials being developed for use in Li-ion and Li-S batteries.

Agriculture, Anti Bacteria, Anti-fungal, Biocides, Crop Management, Farming, FOOD SECURITY, Pest Control

Agriculture: The Importance of Boron

ADVANCED ENERGY, Batteries and Capacitors, Energy Management

Boron and Micro-Supercapacitors

Boron nitride (BN) has shown great potential for microelectronics in the architecture of micro-supercapacitors. Boron Nitride has a large bandgap (5.5eV), superior thermal stability, and high thermal conductance. Boron Micro-supercapacitors in the laboratory exhibit high energy density. They can also withstand harsh environments such as high temperature or electromagnetic interference much better than silicon-based micro capacitors.

ADVANCED ENERGY, SCIENCE

The Unforgettable Power Of Carbide

Carbide synthesis usually begins with synthesizing the respective metal hydride, which is then treated with carbonaceous materials to produce the carbides.

ADVANCED ENERGY, Batteries and Capacitors, Efficient Power Sources, Electricity Generation

Boron Neodymium Magnets

A Neodymium magnet is a type of permanent magnet that uses the power of neodymium (NdFeB), one of the strongest substances known. It exhibits superior resistance to heat and corrosion, as well as elevated tolerance for ferromagnetic materials in close contact with it.

FOOD SECURITY

Fluoride Toxicity With Boron

Fluoride is a toxic chemical that can cause severe health problems despite the best efforts of the WHO to provide recommended levels of fluoride intake by source. Fluoride toxicity is seen in both animals and humans but how can boron help to lower toxicity.

Agriculture

Vegetable Plants and Boron

Boron is an essential micronutrient for vegetable plants. While it is required for every vegetable plant, its quantity differs from one kind to another.

Lithium Battery Pack Prices Set to Soar

By Borates Today | 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.

Boron: The Holy Grail of Aerospace and Defense

By Borates Today | ADVANCED ENERGY, Aerospace, Defense

Boron: The Holy Grail of Aerospace and Defense

Biden Administration Issues Critical and Strategic Mineral Policy

By Borates Today | 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.

Critical Minerals in Australia

By Borates Today | ADVANCED ENERGY, DECARBONIZATION, MINING

Critical Minerals in Australia

Critical Minerals in Australia: The Australian Government has announced its intention to become more self-reliant in critical minerals as a result of geopolitical changes which threaten the ongoing supply of key industrial and energy commodities, which includes boron and borates.

The Sodium-ion Battery Market

By Borates Today | ADVANCED ENERGY, Batteries and Capacitors

The Sodium-ion Battery Market

The Sodium-ion battery is a promising technology for electric vehicles. Reliance Industries aims to tap into this growing market with its extensive reach.

Podcast – Novel Applications in BNNTs

By Borates Today | 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.

Decarbonization Magic Ingredient – Boron

By Borates Today | Boronate Compounds, Carbon Cycle, DECARBONIZATION, Industrial emissions

Decarbonization Magic Ingredient – Boron

Decarbonization: Implications on different Sectors

By Borates Today | DECARBONIZATION, Industrial emissions, MINING

Decarbonization: Implications on different Sectors

Boron Reduces Carbon Dioxide

By Borates Today | Carbon Cycle, DECARBONIZATION, Energy Management, Environmental Protection

Boron Reduces Carbon Dioxide

Boron reduces carbon dioxide: Boron is one such amazing catalyst that reduces CO2 in the presence of only water and light irradiation. This serves as a foundation for a new and more efficient method of transforming CO2 into a usable carbon source for manufacturing fuels and chemicals.

Food Hunger and Boron

By Borates Today | ADVANCED ENERGY

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.