Iron Nitride – a Breakthrough That Could Change the Magnet Market

What is Iron Nitride (Fe₁₆N₂)?

Iron nitride is made from two common raw materials: iron (often from recycling) and nitrogen (taken from the air). The key phase α″-Fe₁₆N₂ is characterized by exceptionally high magnetization – theoretically even 18% higher than the best neodymium NdFeB magnets. The material is stable up to 200°C, does not require the use of rare earth metals or cobalt, and its production is environmentally sustainable.

Why is This a Breakthrough?

Independence from China: The USA and Europe have been looking for ways to reduce dependence on Chinese supplies of Nd and Dy for years. Iron nitride can be produced locally in the USA and EU, providing a strategic advantage.
Sustainable Production: The process is based on recycling iron and nitrogen from the atmosphere – less waste, lower CO₂ emissions.
Wide Applications: From electric cars and wind turbines, through robotics, to audio equipment. The possibilities are almost unlimited.

Innovation Leader: Niron Magnetics and US Investments

The biggest player in this technology is Niron Magnetics, a spin-off from the University of Minnesota. Their product Clean Earth Magnet is the world's first high-performance magnets without rare earth metals. In 2024, the company opened a factory in Sartell (Minnesota), enabling mass production. It collaborates with General Motors, Volvo, Stellantis and the US Department of Defense.
In February 2024, they raised 25 million USD from Samsung Ventures. During CES 2025, they presented their magnets as "stronger, cleaner, and domestic", which generated significant industry interest.

The USA treats the project as strategic. The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Pentagon fund research to make key technologies independent from China. The Critical Materials 2030 program includes the development of Fe₁₆N₂ alongside alternatives like barium ferrite and new magnetic composites. Experts even talk about a "magnetic race" similar to the space race of the 20th century.

Revolution in Electric Motors

The greatest potential of Fe₁₆N₂ lies in automotive. Traditional NdFeB magnets lose efficiency at high rotational speeds. Iron nitride, thanks to low coercivity, enables the construction of variable flux magnetic motors (VFM). Such solutions can improve EV motor efficiency by 20–30%, increase range, reduce battery size, and lower energy consumption in auxiliary systems.

In August 2025, Niron licensed VFM patents and began collaboration with Alvier Mechatronics. Experts called it a "breakthrough in motor efficiency". If the development succeeds, EVs could become cheaper, lighter, and more environmentally friendly.

Technological Processes and Production Challenges

Phase Stability: α″-Fe₁₆N₂ is difficult to maintain in mass production.
Coercivity: Magnets susceptible to demagnetization require research on coatings and structure stabilization.
Scaling: Processes like spark plasma sintering or low-temperature plasma pressing (373–573 K) are promising but costly.
Improvements in parameters are being worked on by, among others, the University of Minnesota and DOE laboratories. Advances in 2025 suggest that these barriers may be overcome in the coming years.

Geopolitics and the Global Magnetic Race

The development of Fe₁₆N₂ has a geopolitical dimension. China controls the refining of rare earth elements, giving it an advantage in the EV and defense sectors. The USA and Europe see iron nitride as a chance to become independent from Beijing. The US Department of Defense directly funds Niron projects, treating them as strategic technology for national security.

Similar to semiconductors, the world may enter an era of "technological alliance", where production of magnets without REE becomes one of the pillars of the economy. The EU plans support for similar projects under the European Raw Materials Alliance. Japan and Korea are also funding research on alternatives to NdFeB.

DIY and Scientific Curiosities

In June 2025, a DIY guide appeared on Hackaday: simply grind iron with ammonium nitrate in a ball mill and fire at 200°C. This creates a weaker Fe–N magnet (due to oxidation), but it shows the accessibility of this technology. In laboratory conditions, with a glove box, any enthusiast can create a prototype nitride magnet.

Is This the End of Rare Earth Metal Dominance?

Fe₁₆N₂ will not displace NdFeB from the market immediately. However, the development of this technology in the USA and Europe in 2025 indicates that within a decade, we may see industrial transition to nitride magnets in many sectors. The combination of local production, lower costs, and ecology means that experts predict rapid growth in the market share of Fe₁₆N₂.