Rather than fine-tune metamaterial to exact specifications, which is finicky and expensive, the researchers used nanoparticles of cobalt, which are relatively easy to get hold of, and suspended them in kerosene.
As the world transitions away from fossil fuels, the demand for metals is increasing, meeting Global Climate goals will require roughly 20 times more nickel and Cobalt by 2040 that are used now.
China accounts for at least 85 percent of rare earth refining, 77 percent of cobalt refining, 82 percent of tungsten production, 80 percent of antimony processing capacity, and 90 percent of the world's synthetic graphite production.
Barron estimates that there is enough cobalt and nickel in those nuggets to power 4.8 billion electric vehicles-more than twice the number of vehicles on the road today, worldwide.