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What are the hottest metals in the chemistry and materials industry right now?

Jeannine Kirkbright

Hey there!

The hottest metals in the chemistry and materials industry right now are definitely lithium, cobalt and nickel. These metals are essential components in the production of batteries for electric vehicles, and with the rise of the clean energy movement, their demand has skyrocketed in recent years.

Lithium is especially important as it is the key component in lithium-ion batteries, which are used in everything from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles. The demand for lithium is projected to triple by 2025, and companies are investing heavily in lithium mining and production to keep up with this demand.

Cobalt and nickel are also important metals for battery production, and their prices have more than doubled in the past two years due to the increased demand from the electric vehicle industry. However, there are concerns about the ethical sourcing of these metals, as many of the world's largest cobalt mines are located in the Democratic Republic of Congo where there are issues with child labor and human rights violations.

Apart from these metals, titanium is another metal that is seeing increased demand in the aerospace industry. Its strength and lightweight properties make it ideal for use in aircraft manufacturing.

In terms of innovation, researchers are also exploring the use of magnesium as a potential replacement for aluminum in car manufacturing. Magnesium is lighter and stronger than aluminum, but it is currently more expensive to produce.

Overall, the chemistry and materials industry is constantly evolving, and the demand for certain metals can fluctuate based on market trends and technological advances. It will be interesting to see how these industries continue to develop in the coming years.

Hope this helps!

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