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

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...

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, Batteries and Capacitors, VIDEO

Video – The Rapid Growth of the Battery Storage Market

Boron is powering the future of battery storage technology, making it an outstanding investment for those looking to capitalize on energy storage.

ADVANCED ENERGY

Critical Raw Materials: Decarbonization and Digitalization

Critical raw materials (CRMs) are a group of key materials essential for the EU's economy and society to function. They are used in various strategic technologies and sectors, including renewable energy, electric vehicles, defense, healthcare and consumer electronics.

DECARBONIZATION, Industrial emissions

FEAM: A Solution To Global Decarbonization

FEAM focuses on providing secure and reliable supplies of critical materials that empower global decarbonization and creating a better future for generations.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

DECARBONIZATION, Environmental Protection

Global Warming: Boron is Key

Global warming: Boron is key. It is a key element in combatting carbon emissions and fuel efficiency. It is an essential component of solar panels and wind turbines and is used to manufacture highly efficient batteries.

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.

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.

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.

Efficient Power Sources, Nuclear Energy, RESEARCH

High Purity Boron Controls Nuclear Power

Amazing Benefits of Boron - Radiation Protection As the world moves towards a greener power future, Nuclear Power Generation is considered one of the leading green energy sources. However, there are risks with Radiation from Nuclear Power. Boron can reduce the...

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.

DECARBONIZATION

How Can Governments Implement Decarbonization

The world is now facing the daunting reality of climate change. Cities are starting to feel the effects, with some areas experiencing more extreme weather conditions than ever before and rainfall patterns changing. Countries need to work together to reduce...

ADVANCED ENERGY, Efficient Power Sources

Boron and Photocatalysis

The increasing reliance on renewable energy sources has led to many studies and research into boron and photocatalysis for applications ranging from solar energy, pollutant removal, artificial photosynthesis to energy storage and fuel evolution.

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, Efficient Power Sources, Energy Management, Energy Management Systems

Boric Acid in Energy Storage Systems

Energy storage is a key piece of the puzzle in easing energy transition, and a new system developed by scientists at TU Wien can store a large amount of energy in an eco-friendly way.

ADVANCED ENERGY, Efficient Power Sources, SCIENCE

Boron and SOP

Boron inclusive technology is an excellent example of 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 if possible. Boron has been working to bring sustainable energy sources for all, and Boron and Hydropower technology is an excellent example of achieving this goal.

DECARBONIZATION, PODCASTS

Podcast – Boron and Decarbonization in the Chemicals Industry

Boron and Decarbonization: To reduce their carbon footprint and make the world cleaner, many chemical industry companies are embracing decarbonization strategies. What can the chemical sector do to contribute significantly to climate change by reducing greenhouse gases from the chemicals manufactured using fossil fuels?

Today, we will review current practices and regulations in an industry-wide drive to meet goals and look at how the latest technological breakthroughs play a pivotal role in shifting toward more sustainable and eco-friendly infrastructure.

Agriculture, FOOD SECURITY

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

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?

DECARBONIZATION

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.

ADVANCED ENERGY, Superconductors

Strength of Rare Earth Magnets

Rare earth magnets are arguably among the most important and powerful permanent magnets. They are made from alloys of rare earth elements and are incredibly powerful. But how powerful are these? And what makes them so strong?

Agriculture, FOOD SECURITY

How Fertilizer Prices Will Affect the Agriculture Sector?

European farmers face a growing problem with fertilizer supply and pricing this spring due partly to a sluggish global economy, tight supply, and trade embargoes driving up prices.

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.

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, Crop Management, FOOD SECURITY

Podcast – Boron Essential for Healthy Plants

Podcast - Today, we’re going to look at whether boron is essential for plants and healthy plant growth. Boron is a vital nutrient for plants. It plays a crucial role in regulating the development of root and shoot Meristem. And this helps complete the life cycles of plants from seed germination all the way through to a fully grown plant.

ADVANCED ENERGY, RESEARCH

Boron Nanotubes BNNT Stability for Electronics

The Boron Nitrate Nanotube is a novel material with unique properties, including high thermal conductivity and chemical stability. It has been used in many applications such as heat transfer fluids, lubricants, coatings for semiconductors, catalysts, etc., but its use in batteries was not explored until recently. The first report of the application of BNNTs in Li-ion batteries appeared only in 2020.

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.

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.

Efficient Power Sources, SCIENCE

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy

Every day, oral cancer is on the rise. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are the main treatment options for cancer. Although surgical annihilation works well in primary tumours, it is ineffective for smaller and more accessible tumours. As a result, cancer cells may not be entirely eradicated by this method. Chemotherapy uses chemical drugs to combat cancer. Boron Neutron Capture Therapy may play a part in disease reduction.

DECARBONIZATION

Low Carbon Future with 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.

FOOD SECURITY

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.

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...

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.

Agriculture, Environmental Protection, Farming

Palm Trees and Boron

Palm trees are commonly found in tropical environments, and benefit from the micronutrient boron. Without sufficient micronutrients, their health and growth can be affected.

Carbon Capture Funding and Boron

By Borates Today | Carbon Cycle, DECARBONIZATION

Carbon Capture Funding and Boron

Alfalfa Plant Needs A Powerful Dose Of Boron

By Borates Today | Agriculture, Crop Management, Food Availability

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.

Boron-Based Furan Polymers

By Borates Today | ADVANCED ENERGY, Clean Fuels, Efficient Power Sources

Boron-Based Furan Polymers

Boron-based Furan polymers are a new class of renewable energy materials based on boron. These materials can provide portable energy sources, serve as catalysts in chemical reactions, and can potentially be used as electrode materials in lithium-ion batteries. They are also highly biodegradable.

Boron drives the Low Carbon Economy

By Borates Today | DECARBONIZATION, Environmental Protection

Boron drives the Low Carbon Economy

The push for increased decarbonization is being felt worldwide as investors pressure companies to take this issue seriously. The fossil fuel industry is feeling the heat, too, with some of its well-known members stepping up their efforts to reduce emissions and make a difference. Governments are also taking notice of these changes, and there has been an increase in legislation designed to incentivize investments in clean energy technology. How can Boron help?

Rio Tinto Decarbonization

By Borates Today | 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.

European Critical Mineral Strategy for Boron

By Borates Today | ADVANCED ENERGY, MINING

European Critical Mineral Strategy for Boron

The European Commission has a solid policy on a raw materials initiative for access to critical minerals such as Boron. Going back to 2008 the initiative was based on three pillars: a fair supply from global markets; sustainable collection; and recycling resources.

Micronutrients – Government Aid, and Boron

By Borates Today | 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.

Boron in Traction Motors

By Borates Today | ADVANCED ENERGY, Batteries and Capacitors, Energy Management Systems

Boron in Traction Motors

Boron in traction motors – Smarter, better, cheaper, faster — those words are the mantra of today’s global economy. As organizations seek to streamline operations and do more with less, they increasingly focus on advanced logistics vehicles and mobile robots to help get the job done. From smart warehousing in retail to materials handling in manufacturing to telepresence robots in healthcare, robotic vehicles constitute a fast-growing technology sector.

Boron and Nuclear Fusion

By Borates Today | 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.

Podcast – Pregnancy Diet and Boron

By Borates Today | 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.