Uses of Lanthanides
Lanthanides have various uses in many fields. Some of the common uses of lanthanides include:
- Catalysts and Refining: Lanthanides are used as catalysts in petroleum refining and the production of glasses. About 45% of lanthanides are used in catalytic converters, and 25% are employed in petroleum refining catalysts.
- Optical Devices: Some lanthanides, such as erbium, are used in optical devices like night vision goggles, laser beams, and phosphorescent materials.
- Lamps, Lasers, and Magnets: Lanthanides are used in lamps, lasers, and magnets, including the production of superconductors, high-flux rare-earth magnets, and neodymium-iron-boron magnets
- Other Applications: Lanthanides are also used in glass polishing and ceramics and as (co-)dopants in doped-fiber optical amplifiers. They are also used in producing sunglass lenses and in magnetic resonance imaging.
Related Reads
Lanthanide Contraction
Lanthanide Contraction is a phenomenon that describes the steady decrease in the size of the atoms and ions of the rare-earth elements as the atomic number increases. The lanthanide contraction is a significant factor in the close chemical similarity of the rare-earth elements and affects the properties of the post-lanthanide elements. This phenomenon has implications for various properties, such as atomic size, density, and chemical reactivity.
Table of Content
- What is Lanthanide?
- What is Lanthanide Contraction?
- Consequences of Lanthanide Contraction
- Cause of Lanthanide Contraction
- Electronic Configuration of Lanthanide
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