Dysprosium is a chemical element with the symbol Dy and atomic number 66. It is a rare earth element with a metallic silver luster. Dysprosium is never found in nature as a free element, though it is found in various minerals, such as xenotime.
Three reasons Dysprosium stands out
- 1
Rare earth metal used in EVs.
- 2
It has the highest magnetic moment of any element, making it critical for powerful compact motors.
- 3
It is added to neodymium magnets to prevent them from losing their strength at high operating temperatures.
Making permanent magnets survive the heat
Dysprosium has a very large magnetic moment. Adding it to neodymium magnets helps them resist demagnetization at high operating temperatures, an advantage in compact motors and generators. The trade-off is supply: dysprosium is scarce, difficult to separate, and a target for recycling and material-saving designs.