Tag

Gallium

All articles tagged with #gallium

world2 months ago

China Eases Export Restrictions on Critical Minerals to the US

China has lifted a nearly year-long export ban on gallium, germanium, and antimony to the US, signaling a de-escalation in trade tensions. The ban, initially imposed in December 2024 in response to US export controls, affected critical minerals used in semiconductors, military, and technology sectors. The suspension will last until November 27, 2026, and aims to ease supply chain disruptions and trade disputes between the two countries.

science1 year ago

Scientists Create Diamonds from Scratch in 15 Minutes

Scientists have developed a new technique to synthesize diamonds in just 15 minutes at normal atmospheric pressure without needing a starter gem. This breakthrough, detailed in a study published in Nature, uses gallium and silicon in a graphite crucible with super-hot carbon-rich methane gas. While the process still requires refinement, it promises to make diamond creation more accessible and eliminate several drawbacks of traditional synthesis methods.

trade-and-economy2 years ago

"Tennessee Zinc Smelter: A Battleground in the U.S.-China Trade War"

An obscure zinc smelter in Tennessee, owned by Dutch company Nyrstar, is seeking funding for an expansion to process germanium and gallium, minerals vital for producing chips used in smartphones and radar systems. China's recent export restrictions on these minerals have created a potential shortage, making the Tennessee smelter a crucial player in the global trade war. The expansion aims to protect jobs and yield profits for Nyrstar, but it also carries the risk of China resuming exports and causing prices to plummet. The U.S. is racing to catch up with China in rare-earth minerals and other scarce resources, driven by the threat of natural-resource protectionism and increasing demand.

technology2 years ago

China's Export Restrictions on Gallium and Semiconductors: Implications for EV Models and Global Trade

China's plans to impose export controls on gallium, a key semiconductor material used in electric vehicles (EVs), has raised concerns for automakers who rely on the metal for improving EV efficiency and reducing weight. Gallium nitride, a compound of gallium, is particularly sought after for its ability to handle power without generating heat, making it ideal for on-board chargers and inverters. However, China's export controls could force automakers to consider alternative materials like silicon carbide, despite gallium nitride's superior performance. While some experts believe other countries could step in to replace China's supply, others argue that finding a suitable alternative would be challenging and time-consuming. Automakers are cautiously monitoring the situation.

technology2 years ago

China's Strategic Moves in the Global Tech War

China's new restrictions on the export of gallium and germanium, critical elements for semiconductor chips, have the potential to harm Western tech manufacturers and disrupt the global supply chain. China's move is seen as a response to Western restrictions on semiconductor equipment. Gallium and germanium have unique properties that are difficult to replicate and are used in various devices, including smartphones, laptops, and defense applications. The restrictions are expected to lead to higher prices and longer delivery times for these elements, making it more expensive and challenging for Western companies to produce electronic devices. Western manufacturers may need to diversify their supply chains and explore alternative sources or research devices that are less reliant on these critical materials.

technology2 years ago

Navigating China's Export Controls on Gallium and Germanium: Implications and Global Concerns

China's new export restrictions on gallium and germanium, critical elements for semiconductor chips, have the potential to harm western tech manufacturers who rely on these materials. China's dominance in the supply of gallium and germanium, which are used in various electronic devices and defense applications, could lead to higher prices and longer delivery times. Western manufacturers may need to diversify their supply chains and explore alternative sources, while also investing in research for devices that are less reliant on these materials. The move highlights the escalating tech war between China and the West and raises concerns about resource nationalism and its impact on the global economy.

technology2 years ago

China's Export Restrictions on Semiconductor Materials Escalate Chip Wars

China is imposing export restrictions on gallium and germanium, key materials used in semiconductors and electronic components, in response to Western restrictions on chip sales and production technology to China. China is the largest global source of these materials, with 60% of the world's germanium and 80% of gallium coming from China. The move is seen as a strategy to secure internal supplies for China's semiconductor and technology manufacturing ambitions. While there may not be an immediate shortage, it highlights the importance of diversifying supply chains for semiconductors.

science-and-technology2 years ago

"Multi-Metal Nanoparticles Synthesized with Liquid Metal"

Researchers in China have developed a new technique to create multi-element nanoparticles using liquid gallium as a matrix to combine many other metals that were previously immiscible. The nanoparticles contain an even distribution of 17 different elements, including gallium, iron, nickel, copper, zinc, scandium, vanadium, manganese, magnesium, zirconium, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, hafnium, molybdenum, and niobium. These materials could have interesting and tuneable electronic, chemical, and physical properties, making them useful in a wide range of applications.