Terbium
History
Between 1839 and 1843, Swedish surgeon, chemist, and mineralogist Mosander discovered four rare earth elements: in addition to lanthanum, didymium, and erbium, he also isolated terbium. Pure terbium was only manufactured after 1945 with the advent of ion exchange technology.
Properties
In its oxidized form, the soft heavy metal is a black-brown powder. Terbium metal is so soft that it can be cut with a knife. Although it is very unreactive, it is relatively stable in the air.
| Eigenschaft | Wert |
|---|---|
Schmelzpunkt | 1.356 °C |
Siedepunkt | 3.230 °C |
Spezifisches Gewicht | 8,253 g/cm³ |
Massenanteil/Erdhülle | 0,85 ppm |
Farbe | silberweiß |
Jahresproduktion | - |
Hauptproduzenten | Australien |
Fields of Application
Terbium is used for doping semiconductors and acts as an activator for fluorescent phosphors. Together with zirconium dioxide, it functions in one of the future industries: as a stabilizer for high-temperature fuel cells. Additionally, the oxide is added to the green phosphor in cathode-ray tubes and fluorescent lamps. Due to its ferromagnetic "talents," terbium is suitable for manufacturing magnetic components: Particularly in neodymium-iron-boron magnets, it increases performance.
Perspectives
In addition to dysprosium, neodymium, and the crucial lighting component europium, the future will also belong to magnetizing, phosphorescent terbium due to its importance for mini magnets. A study published by the US Department of Energy in late 2011 predicted a medium- and long-term supply gap for both terbium and dysprosium and europium.
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