New method allows magnetism to be generated by new metals

A means of creating magnetism in metals that are not naturally magnetic has been developed by a team led by the University of Leeds.

It has been discovered that exchange interactions and density of state can be changed in non-magnetic materials by removing electrons using an interface coated with a thin layer of the carbon molecule C60.

This allows them to become ferromagnetic at room temperature, meaning they can remain magnetic in the absence of a field. Currently, only iron, cobalt and nickel possess this quality.

Magnets are used in many technological applications, including power generation in wind turbines, memory storage and medical imaging, but the creation of such devices is reliant on the use of rare and toxic elements.

Co-lead author Fatma Al Ma'Mari, from the School of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Leeds, said: "Being able to generate magnetism in materials that are not naturally magnetic opens new paths to devices that use abundant and hazardless elements, such as carbon and copper."

Now the study has successfully demonstrated the technique, further work is needed to make these synthetic magnets stronger.