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World’s Most Expensive Substance Can Change the Face of GPS Technology, According to Researchers

Researchers continue to get offers for selling Endohedral Fullerene, despite it costing millions just for one gram.

PUBLISHED OCT 20, 2024

Image Source: Getty Images/ Photo by KATERYNA KON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY (Buckminsterfullerene molecule. Computer illustration showing the molecular structure of buckminsterfullerene)

The world is behind a powder, even if it costs them millions. The powder in question is Nitrogen Atom-Based Endohedral Fullerene and as per Oxford, it is the most expensive thing on Earth, LADBible reported. The powder sells for £106,000,000 per gram. Despite the massive price tag, several individuals and organizations want to get their hands on this substance, because of its potential in the future. According to many experts, the Nitrogen Atom-Based Endohedral Fullerene can transform navigation technology the way humans know it forever. Hence, there is a massive race among countries to get their hands on the substance, so they can be the ones to come out with breakthroughs and earn revenues from it.

Nitrogen Atom-Based Endohedral Fullerene

Image Source: Getty Images/Photo by KATERYNA KON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY (Buckyball nanoparticle, computer illustration.)

Nitrogen Atom-Based Endohedral Fullerene is composed of a minuscule cage of carbon atoms, containing a singular nitrogen atom within it, Oxford reported. Scientists at Designer Carbon Materials, have made this material and reportedly sold it for around £110 million per gram. Researchers believe that it can be used to create previously inconceivable mini atomic clocks, which can change the landscape of GPS technology.

Atomic clocks

Atomic clocks have become pivotal in GPS technology, LAD Bible reported. These tools are used to measure time concerning the vibration of atoms. Their size is equivalent to a room, and hence fitting them in devices, to this date has been considered impossible. Endohedral Fullerene can change this situation, Oxford reported. As per experts, Endohedral Fullerene could be used to create mini atomic clocks that can be attached to devices like cars and mobiles.

Potential of Endohedral Fullerene

Mini atomic clocks created through Endohedral Fullerene will make devices more accurate and also enable them to use GPS technology in places where signals are weak, according to researchers. Dr Kyriakos Porfyrakis, who has been working on the substance since 2001 stated, "Imagine a miniaturized atomic clock that you could carry around in your smartphone. This is the next revolution for mobile," The Telegraph reported. Scientists believe that a lot of avenues like driverless cars could open up if the mini atomic clock technology comes to fruition. According to researchers, driverless cars and mini atomic clocks are just the starting point, there are many other ways Endohedral Fullerene can transform the world of technology.

Current state of Endohedral Fullerene

Representative Image Source: Pexels | Photo by Kindel Media

Researchers are ecstatic to see so much interest in the material, but have cautioned investors that Endohedral Fullerene's full potential will not surface immediately, LADBible reported. "It will take a few years to finalize this research project. If there will be a final product, it should be miniature enough to go into portable devices," Dr. Porfyrakis stated. There are many tweaks and upgrades to be made before the final product is available in the market. Despite the warning, there is no dearth of buyers for currently the most expensive thing on Earth.