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

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.

Agriculture, FOOD SECURITY, Food Stability, PODCASTS

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.

Anti Bacteria, Anti-fungal, APPLICATIONS, BENEFITS, Biocides, Forests and Parks, Pest Control, Wood Protection

Boron the Super Saviour of Wooden Products

Overview The ultimate defense against wood-destroying fungi and bacteria. Woods are great. They keep us warm and cozy and give a rustic yet chic feeling to our homes or any other place they adorn. It makes us one with nature. But like in nature, woods inside our...

DECARBONIZATION

Boron and Climate Risk

Climate change is real. The impact of the physical climate risk is already affecting the living population. Boron is a low-cost and sustainable solution to help control climate change effects. Climate researchers consider boron an essential ingredient in reducing global warming. It is helpful as a catalyst for creating one or more hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) with lower greenhouse gas emissions. It is lesser than current HFCs commonly present in air conditioners, refrigerators, and other cooling devices.

Boron inside - in Boron Neodymium Magnets

ADVANCED ENERGY, PODCASTS

Podcast – Boron Neodymium Magnets

Neodymium magnets are rare earth magnets composed of neodymium, iron boron, and several transition metals. The neodymium elements are classified as rare earth magnets because they lie in the lanthanides section on the periodic table.

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.

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.

ADVANCED ENERGY, APPLICATIONS, Efficient Power Sources

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.

FOOD SECURITY, MICRONUTRIENTS

Ensuring Micronutrient Boron Supply

Famine is a natural disaster that occurs in underdeveloped countries, famine areas, and war-torn regions. In these regions, micronutrients such as boron are scarce or unavailable to the local population. The lack of micronutrients leads to malnutrition which can cause poverty and other issues such as disease and death. Here is a discussion on the importance of micronutrients for famine relief efforts. Check out their benefits for mental health, physical health, and economic development.

DECARBONIZATION

Boron in Bioconversion

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.

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?

Ceramic and Enamels, Energy Management, Energy Management Systems, Heat Resistant, Nuclear Energy

Advanced Materials Need Boron

How Boron Enhances the Value of Advanced Materials? Boron is an ingredient in advanced materials with a wide range of applications. It is mainly useful as a dopant and part of semiconductors, fiber optics, and other electronics. Boron-containing compounds are also...

DECARBONIZATION, Industrial emissions

Boron as an energy carrier to increase efficiency

Boron and its compounds have a vital role to play as energy carriers to increase efficiency. The chemical industry has long been a significant contributor to climate change. Many chemicals are manufactured using fossil fuels, which produce greenhouse gases when...

APPLICATIONS, DECARBONIZATION

Boron: The Essential Element

Boron is a valuable and versatile mineral, with uses ranging from aerospace to automotive. It's critical in pursuing renewable energy, food security, and decarbonization.

Clean Fuels, DECARBONIZATION, Electricity Generation, Environmental Protection

How Boron is used to Help in Oil Recovery

Modern civilization has been heavily influenced by the discovery of petrochemicals. The entire human race is driven by this natural resource, dubbed liquid gold. Petrochemical derivatives are overwhelmingly present in our lives --- as plastic bags/wrappers that...

Energy Management, RESEARCH

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).

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.

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?

ADVANCED ENERGY

Nuclear Energy and Boron

We live in a world where the environment is constantly going through changes. This is because we are running out of fossil fuels, and all it takes for our society to collapse is one more natural disaster. Therefore, the invention of new materials that facilitate the mission statement of a low carbon future is essential in today's day and age to decrease our dependence on fossil fuels.

DECARBONIZATION, Industrial emissions, MINING

Decarbonization: Implications on different Sectors

Decarbonization, Boron and Mining The mining and metal industry is one of the most carbon-intensive industries in the world, generating a sizable percentage of global greenhouse gas emissions. How quickly has decarbonization been going on in the mining and metal...

ADVANCED ENERGY, Energy Management Systems

Hydrogen-boron Fusion Energy

Hydrogen-boron fusion is a new area with exciting potential for vehicles and transportation. There has been much debate about securing sufficient supplies of lithium and cobalt to power electric vehicles and replace two billion diesel/petrol vehicles currently on the roads.

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.

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, MICRONUTRIENTS

Micronutrients – Government Aid, and Boron

Governments have taken many initiatives to ensure the availability of micronutrients in our diet and products. Boron is a micronutrient found primarily in the soil and essential nutrient for plant growth and agriculture. Biofortification requires Boron.

Agriculture, Crop Management, FOOD SECURITY

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.

ADVANCED ENERGY, MINING

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.

Agriculture, Crop Management

Pomegranate Fruit and Boron

Pomegranate fruit is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, antioxidants, and other minerals. However, the fruit may lose its quality due to fruit cracking. This is due to inadequate water management or lacking essential micronutrients such as boron and calcium.

ADVANCED ENERGY

9 Key Future Technologies Boron and Borates

Borates are ubiquitous, in that they exist all over the world. It is not unusual to find them anywhere from natural waters and soils on earth where plants grow. For most plant life cannot survive without boron, it's important for humans as well to take care of this element by regulating their use of fertilizers with potassium or sodium nitrate which can affect soil pH levels. Borates are also essential to a vast array of products we use on an everyday basis.

ADVANCED ENERGY, Efficient Power Sources, Nuclear Energy, PODCASTS

Podcast – Boron Rocket Fuel

In today's podcast, we're going to look at research into how boron can be used as rocket fuel. Boron has a high intrinsic energy density. It's inexpensive, plentiful, and stable, making it a good choice for solid rocket fuels and an additive for jet fuels to increase energy output.

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?

Environmental Protection, SCIENCE

Sustainable Future Using Materials Science

Sustainable future using materials science is achieved through developing new materials and technologies that can help address climate change and resources.

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.

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.

FOOD SECURITY, Human Health

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.

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...

DECARBONIZATION

Decarbonization and Boron

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.

Energy Management, RESEARCH

Hydrogen Boron Fusion – Creating New Energy

Hydrogen-Boron 11 fusion -Boron Hydrogen Fusion - has always been the ultimate fusion reaction. It does not create radioactive waste and its fuels are both abundant in nature and non-radioactive. Few other researchers had studied this reaction as it was considered scientifically too difficult. The temperatures required to ignite the reaction are more than 100 times higher than that of the sun – a technical hurdle that has held back practical energy generation for decades.

ADVANCED ENERGY, Company Profiles, Efficient Power Sources

Company Profile of Lithium and Boron Technology

Lithium and Boron Technology, Inc., previously known as SmartHeat Inc, is a significant producer of boric acid and a manufacturer of lithium carbonate in the PRC. It has a revenue of around $7.57M. The company exclusively sources ore and brine from Dachaidan Lake and the surrounding areas.

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.

Micronutrient Deficiency, Boron and the WHO

By Borates Today | MICRONUTRIENTS

Micronutrient Deficiency, Boron and the WHO

What is micronutrient deficiency and how can boron help? In simple words, it is when your body is not getting the necessary nutrients it needs to function properly and for good health. It is a matter of concern all around the globe, but especially in countries with...

Boron and Daily Diet

By Borates Today | BENEFITS, FOOD SECURITY, Human Health

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.

Boron in Food

By Borates Today | FOOD SECURITY, Human Health

Boron in Food

The highest levels of boron are found in plant foods, including fruit, legumes, and tubers, leafy green vegetables, kale, spinach, and non-citrus fruits. Boron can also be seen as a component of grains, fruits, nuts, prunes, raisins, and other non-citrus fruit. Boron is also found in lesser amounts in beer, wine, and cider.

Podcast – Boron-based Polymers for EV Storage

By Borates Today | ADVANCED ENERGY, Efficient Power Sources, PODCASTS

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.

Podcast – Turkey and Boron

By Borates Today | ADVANCED ENERGY, MINING, PODCASTS

Podcast – Turkey and Boron

Today, we're going to look at Turkey and Boron. Turkey is the world's largest producer of boron through the government-owned Eti Maden. With enough reserves to cover global demand for the next 500 years, Turkey stands first in market share, manufactures, and markets 62% of the world's boron.

Nuclear Energy and Boron

By Borates Today | ADVANCED ENERGY

Nuclear Energy and Boron

How Can Boron Help In Arthritis Pain Relief?

By Borates Today | Famine and Poverty Relief, Human Health

How Can Boron Help In Arthritis Pain Relief?

Did you know boron can be an effective arthritis pain relief? It is a powerful chemical element with many uses around the home. Also, its unique mineral properties make it ideal for soothing aches and joints!

Podcast – Boron Nutrients in Rice

By Borates Today | Crop Management, FOOD SECURITY, Food Stability, PODCASTS

Podcast – Boron Nutrients in Rice

Boron: The Micronutrient For Plants

By Borates Today | Agriculture, Farming, MICRONUTRIENTS

Boron: The Micronutrient For Plants

Boron is a mineral of importance to plant growth and health; it is involved in processes like cell division, pollination, and seed production.

Boron Carbon Capture Research

By Borates Today | ADVANCED ENERGY

Boron Carbon Capture Research

Boron Carbon Capture Research: Carbon capture is a way to reduce carbon emissions and could play a key role in combating global warming. Pre- and post-combustion carbon capture is possible. Boron's properties as a solid absorbent allow carbon dioxide to be captured more efficiently in the first stage of the capture process.