Abstract
The global demand for rare earth permanent magnets, particularly neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets, has surged due to their exceptional magnetic properties, which are crucial for applications in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and consumer electronics. However, the supply chain vulnerabilities and environmental concerns associated with rare earth elements have spurred intensive research into non-rare earth alternatives. Among these, iron-nitrogen (Fe-N) compounds, particularly α"-Fe₁₆N₂ and Sm₂Fe₁₇Nₓ (samarium-iron-nitrogen, or Sm-Fe-N), have emerged as promising candidates. This article reviews the latest research progress in Fe-N compounds, evaluates their current performance limitations, and discusses their potential to replace NdFeB magnets in the future.