Scarcity of Elements in Products Like Smartphones Needs Addressing, Say Scientists
Sunday, August 10, 2014 - 08:30
in Physics & Chemistry
Many of today's technological innovations from the iPhone to electric motors for hybrid cars require the use of materials -- elements -- that are scarce or difficult to obtain. As demand for these devices grows, the problem of dwindling critical element supplies must be addressed. That's the conclusion of a white paper written by eminent scientists. The product of the 5th Chemical Sciences and Society Summit (CS3), the white paper recommends focusing research on finding alternative materials and new approaches to technology development in order to prevent these elements from disappearing.