Boron is one of the critical chemical elements that make up the planet. When combined with oxygen and other elements it forms borates, which have become an essential, though unheralded, component of modern life.

It can be added to soil with boron deficiencies for improving crop yields and product quality, in energy-saving applications, including insulation for homes and buildings, as well as in energy generation, such as in high strength permanent magnets used in modern wind turbines.

The element has come along way since the 20-mule team hauled carts of borate out of California’s Death Valley in the 19th century.

A partnership between University of Wollongong (UOW) and one of the world’s largest minerals producers, Rio Tinto Borates (RTB), is seeking to find new applications for boron in energy, such as hydrogen storage and advanced batteries.

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