It seems graphene, the single layer of carbon atoms that can supercharge computer chips, optical circuits, lithium-ion batteries, and solar power generation, might have a competitor: a rare earth element called erbium. Erbium salts, like graphene, have very desirable optical properties — and today’s discovery is a new erbium compound that will allow photonic and material engineers to use up to 1,000 times more erbium in optical fiber, photonic switches, and solar power cells.
More reason to secure rare earths supplies. Who is the world's major supplier of Erbium? (China)
http://www.baotou-rareearth.com/er.html
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