Molymet launches its atomizer to produce spherical powders, in addition to developing a new rhenium-based catalyst.  

Chilean molybdenum and rhenium producer, Molymet, has acquired advanced plasma atomization equipment to produce highly spherical powders from rhenium, molybdenum, and their alloys for 3D printing. Following several trials, the company launched the atomizer in its Research and Development Laboratory in Chile. This process streamlines manufacturing into a single step, effectively reducing material waste. It is suitable for various industries, including aerospace, medical, and fine jewellery. The project received support from the Chilean Economic Development Agency (CORFO) through its Innova Alta Tecnología program. This new technology will significantly improve the recycling rate of rhenium scrap material as these powders can be used for additive manufacturing processes. 

Molymet has invested in developing rhenium-based catalysts intended for use in electrolysers that produce green hydrogen (H2V). This new catalyst is more cost-effective than traditional platinum catalysts and significantly reduces the carbon footprint. The company has collaborated with the University of Alberta and its Advanced Materials Research Group (NRGMATs), and it is expected to begin trials in pilot-scale electrolysers shortly. Rhenium metal-based catalysts are potential candidates to replace precious platinum catalysts for green hydrogen production via the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in water electrolysis. Despite this, the use of rhenium as a catalytic material is expected to decrease at a CAGR of 0.9% from 2024 to 2034, largely due to the expected decline in PGM production, for which Pt-Re catalysts were required for producing lead-free gasoline. Rhenium alloys are continuously being researched and developed for potential use in electrocatalysts for hydrogen production, however, the overall impact on rhenium demand over the next decade is uncertain as this technology is in an early stage.  

The main demand driver for rhenium is forecast to come from the aerospace sector, where its use in nickel superalloys is expected to experience significant growth over the next decade and will remain the metal's largest application. Project Blue estimates rhenium demand growth in the aerospace industry to rise at a CAGR of 2.1% between 2024 and 2034.