Research question

How can life cycle and techno-economic assessments guide the re-engineering of Nd-Fe-B magnets towards more sustainable and resource-efficient production methods?

Project description

Neodymium-iron-boron (Nd-Fe-B) permanent magnets offer exceptional performance and are indispensable for green technologies such as electric vehicles and wind turbines. But they also present challenges, including Europe’s dependence on external imports and environmental issues associated with the mining and refining of rare earths, which are critical materials.

GREENE is a European research project aimed at developing high-performance Nd-Fe-B magnets that are more sustainable, cost-effective and resource-efficient. It is led by the Slovenian Jožef Stefan Institute and involves 15 partners from 9 countries.

The project aims to push the boundaries of materials science by developing Single-Grain Re-Engineered Nd-Fe-B magnets. This involves creating a new interface between the Nd₂Fe₁₄B magnetic grains and the grain-boundary phase, allowing adjustment of the rare earth content in this critical zone, while enhancing overall magnet performance. Both virgin and recycled feedstocks will be used to address supply dependency while contributing to a more resilient, circular economy in Europe.

Leiden University contributes by assessing the sustainability of these new solution, through life cycle and techno-economic.

• life cycle assessment
• rare earth elements

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