Minnesota iron ore could be key to sustainable and lower cost semiconductor
For the first time, researchers at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities have demonstrated that the low-purity iron ore prevalent in Minnesota can be used to create semiconductor-quality iron sulfide, also known as "fool's gold" or pyrite.
For the first time, researchers at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities have demonstrated that the low-purity iron ore prevalent in Minnesota can be used to create semiconductor-quality iron sulfide, also known as "fool's gold" or pyrite.
The short version
- This discovery could have cost-effective and sustainable applications in future electronic devices and other technologies.
- This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies .
- The work is published in the journal Physical Review Applied .
What happened
Minnesota is one of the largest iron-producing states, accounting for 75% of the nation's ore and generating more than $4 billion in annual revenue. Natural resources such as the Mesabi Iron Range have fueled Minnesota iron production for decades, enabled by the taconite process developed by Edward Wilson Davis at the University of Minnesota.
Why it matters
Pyrite iron sulfide is a unique semiconductor because it absorbs light extraordinarily well and is composed of abundant, nontoxic and cost-effective elements.
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