Scientists for the first time managed to convert a non-magnetic material into a magnetic one using electricity

A research team from the University of Minnesota for the first time in history succeeded in using only electricity, in literally include magnetism in a material that in its normal state is non-magnetic.

This discovery could be the impetus for the development of electronic components made from the most common materials, which are currently completely useless in electronics.

What is ferromagnetism

Ferromagnetism (the strongest form of manifestation of magnetism) occurs in a material when most of the electrons in the crystal lattice of the material have one direction of rotation.

In non-magnetic materials, electrons are usually combined in such a way that their opposite spins cancel out the magnetic field.

In fact, there are not many substances in nature that are initially considered ferromagnets. For example, these include iron, cobalt, as well as nickel and their numerous alloys.

But now a research team from the University of Minnesota has succeeded in triggering the phenomenon of magnetism in a material that is not magnetic in nature. And this material turned out to be pyrite - iron sulfide.

In order to induce magnetic properties in the material, a method called electrolytic gating was applied.

For starters, pyrite was placed in a special ionic liquid. And then a voltage of 1 volt was applied. And this was enough to start the process of moving positively charged ions in the area where the pyrite and electrolyte came into contact.

Thus, a magnetic force was created, which was even measured.

But as soon as the voltage was turned off, then at the same instant the magnetism ceased to exist.

According to K. Leighton, they were themselves extremely surprised that this experiment was a success. So, according to him, as soon as voltage is applied, the process of "infusion" of electrons into the material starts. And it turns out that if you get a significant concentration of electrons, then the material acquires ferromagnetic properties.

Scientists are enthusiastic and confident that if such an experiment worked with iron sulfide, then it can be reproduced with many other materials, which opens up very broad prospects.

Experiments will actively continue at higher temperatures and with different materials.

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