This is amazing technology. If it works in real-world industrial applications it will solve one of the great problems of the 21st Century, namely the scarcity and high price of precious metals.

The article didn't mention any commercial trials for these cobalt catalysts.

This is amazing technology. If it works in real-world industrial applications it will solve one of the great problems of the 21st Century, namely the scarcity and high price of precious metals.

The article didn't mention any commercial trials for these cobalt catalysts.

Equally important --if not more so-- would be that all of the rare earth related toxic waste stream, environmental- and health hazards could be substantially reduced, possibly entirely so --although that's probably stretching it.

Bonus for also reducing reliance upon bottlenecked, easily manipulated stocks held by not-always-so-cooperative, or fair or friendly-- sovereign suppliers.

@Caliban -- Yes, this would be an big win economically, environmentally, and for international security. I hope that commercial development of this technology is successful and rapid.

@Caliban--How is this going to reduce wastes related to rare earths?

@Caliban--How is this going to reduce wastes related to rare earths?

By reducing the need to mine and refine the ores that are typically used for rare-earth extraction, and contain a whole suite of highly toxic, reactive, and radioactive elements, that contribute to adverse environmental and human health effects.

Cobalt is a very abundant metal found in ores that don't contribute nearly as much to a waste stream with that level and longevity of toxicity.

Therefore, any replacement of rare earths by cobalt will lead to a reduction in rare-earth associated waste production.