Thulium (III) Oxide Micron Powder (Tm₂O₃, 99.9%, 3-5 µm)
Technical Specifications:
- Chemical Formula: Tm₂O₃
- Purity: 99.9% (high purity)
- Particle Size: 3-5 µm (microns)
- Appearance: White to pale yellow powder
- Density: Approximately 8.23 g/cm³
- Melting Point: 2,480°C (4,496°F)
- Boiling Point: Sublimes at high temperatures (no distinct boiling point under normal pressure)
- Molecular Weight: 381.81 g/mol
- Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in acids like hydrochloric acid (HCl) and nitric acid (HNO₃)
- Crystal Structure: Hexagonal, typically in the form of a monoclinic crystal structure.
- Refractive Index: Approximately 2.2 (varies depending on the form and temperature)
Applications:
- Lasers and Photonics:
- Thulium (III) Oxide is primarily used in the development of solid-state lasers. Thulium-doped lasers are employed in medical applications such as surgical procedures and dentistry. They are particularly useful for skin resurfacing and lithotripsy (the treatment of kidney stones).
- Thulium-based materials are also used in optical fibers for laser communication systems due to their ability to work in the infrared wavelength range.
- Nuclear Applications:
- Thulium Oxide is used in nuclear reactors as a neutron absorber and radiation shielding material. Its high neutron absorption cross-section makes it valuable in nuclear control rods and other components that require effective radiation protection.
- It is also used in nuclear batteries, where its ability to resist radiation damage is essential.
- Magnetic Materials:
- Thulium Oxide is used in the production of magnetic materials for magnetic refrigeration. Thulium compounds exhibit paramagnetic properties, making them suitable for use in advanced refrigeration systems based on magnetic cooling technology.
- It is also explored in the development of permanent magnets for high-performance motors and magnetic actuators.
- Optical Coatings:
- Thulium (III) Oxide is used in optical coatings to improve the performance of infrared optical devices. It is particularly useful in infrared sensors, thermal imaging systems, and infrared windows due to its optical transparency in the infrared range.
- It is also used in anti-reflective coatings for high-performance optical instruments such as telescopes and laser systems.
- Medical Imaging:
- Thulium Oxide is employed in certain medical imaging technologies, especially in the field of MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). Thulium-doped compounds are used as contrast agents for improving the visibility of soft tissues and bone imaging.
- It is also studied for its potential in radiation therapy as part of treatment for cancer and tumor therapy.
- Lighting Applications:
- Thulium Oxide is used in the development of phosphors for fluorescent lamps, LEDs, and other light-emitting devices. It contributes to creating high-efficiency lighting solutions, especially those designed for specialized wavelengths.
- Thulium-based phosphors are also used in display technologies such as LCDs and OLEDs.
- Energy Storage:
- Thulium Oxide is being investigated for its use in energy storage devices, such as batteries and supercapacitors. Thulium compounds are known to enhance the charge capacity and cycling stability of these devices.
- It is also being explored for use in hydrogen storage systems due to its ability to interact with hydrogen and improve storage efficiency.
- Semiconductors:
- Thulium Oxide is used in the production of semiconductor materials. It is particularly useful as a doping agent in thin-film transistors and semiconductor devices due to its ability to modify the electrical properties of materials.
- It is used in the fabrication of high-temperature semiconductors that require stability and resistance to thermal degradation.
- Photovoltaic Devices:
- Thulium Oxide is being explored for use in photovoltaic (solar) cells, particularly in thin-film solar technologies. It has the potential to improve light absorption and energy conversion efficiency in solar panels.
- Catalysis:
- Thulium Oxide is used as a catalyst or catalyst support in various chemical processes. It plays a role in oxidation reactions, methane reforming, and hydrocarbon synthesis due to its high stability and catalytic properties.
- It is also used in fuel cell technologies to improve the efficiency and durability of the cells.
- Chemical Sensors:
- Thulium Oxide is used in chemical sensors that detect gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These sensors are critical in environmental monitoring and control systems.
- Thermal and Radiation Shielding:
- Due to its high melting point and radiation resistance, Thulium Oxide is used in thermal and radiation shielding applications. It protects materials and sensitive equipment from extreme temperatures and ionizing radiation, making it suitable for use in aerospace and nuclear industries.
Thulium (III) Oxide Micron Powder (Tm₂O₃, 99.9%, 3-5 µm) is a versatile material with broad applications across optics, electronics, nuclear technology, medical fields, and energy systems. Its high neutron absorption and optical properties make it essential in cutting-edge technologies, including lasers, MRI imaging, and phosphor applications. Its stability at high temperatures and its role as a high-performance material in diverse industries ensure its continued importance in advanced technological solutions.
