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Send EmailTerbium Oxide, Terbium Sesquioxide, Terbia, 12037-01-3
TERBIUM OXIDE (TB₄O₇)
TERBIUM OXIDE / TERBIA / TERBIUM(III,IV) OXIDE / TERBIUM SESQUIOXIDE
1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Terbium Oxide |
| Chemical Name | Terbium(III,IV) Oxide, Terbium Oxide |
| Other Names | Terbia, Tb₄O₇ |
| CAS Number | 12037-01-3 |
| EC Number (EINECS) | 234-123-7 |
| Chemical Formula | Tb₄O₇ |
| Molecular Weight | 747.69 g/mol |
| Appearance | Dark brown to black powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Physical State (20°C) | Solid (powder) |
2. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE
2.1. Molecular Structure
Terbium oxide is a mixed-valence oxide of the rare earth element terbium and oxygen. It contains both Tb³⁺ and Tb⁴⁺ ions. It has a cubic fluorite-like crystal structure. This mixed-valence structure gives the compound oxygen storage capacity, catalytic activity, and colorant properties. It is insoluble in water but soluble in strong acids.
Structural Features:
TERBIUM OXIDE [Tb₄O₇]
|
Tb³⁺/Tb⁴⁺ - O²⁻ Ionic Bonds
|
+----------------+----------------+
| | |
Cubic Fluorite Brown-Black Mixed Valence
-like Structure Powder Form (Tb³⁺/Tb⁴⁺)
2.2. Structural Properties
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Crystal Structure | Cubic fluorite-like |
| Chemical Formula | Tb₄O₇ |
| Molecular Weight | 747.69 g/mol |
| Density | ~7.3 g/cm³ |
| Appearance | Dark brown to black powder |
| Melting Point | ~2,300 °C |
| Oxidation States | Tb³⁺ and Tb⁴⁺ (mixed valence) |
| Oxygen Storage Capacity | High |
3. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Dark brown to black powder | Color shade depends on purity |
| Odor | Odorless | - |
| Chemical Formula | Tb₄O₇ | - |
| Molecular Weight | 747.69 g/mol | - |
| Density | ~7.3 g/cm³ | - |
| Melting Point | ~2,300 °C | - |
| Solubility in Water (25°C) | Insoluble | - |
| Solubility in Acids | Soluble | Forms terbium salts |
| Solubility in Alcohol | Insoluble | - |
| Mixed Valence | Tb³⁺/Tb⁴⁺ | Provides catalytic and optical properties |
| Oxygen Storage Capacity | High | Similar to CeO₂ and Pr₆O₁₁ |
| Colorant Properties | Greenish tones | Glass and ceramic pigment |
| Thermal Stability | High | Resistant in oxidative environments |
| Hygroscopicity | Low | - |
4. PURITY GRADES
| Parameter | Technical Grade | High Purity Grade | Analytical Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purity (Tb₄O₇) | ≥ 99.0% | ≥ 99.9% | ≥ 99.99% |
| Other Rare Earths | ≤ 1.0% | ≤ 0.1% | ≤ 0.01% |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 100 ppm | ≤ 50 ppm | ≤ 20 ppm |
| Calcium (Ca) | ≤ 100 ppm | ≤ 50 ppm | ≤ 20 ppm |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 100 ppm | ≤ 50 ppm | ≤ 20 ppm |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤ 50 ppm | ≤ 20 ppm | ≤ 10 ppm |
| Chloride (Cl⁻) | ≤ 0.1% | ≤ 0.05% | ≤ 0.02% |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 1.0% | ≤ 0.5% | ≤ 0.3% |
| Particle Size (D50) | 5-20 µm | 1-10 µm | 0.5-5 µm |
| BET Surface Area | 5-15 m²/g | 10-20 m²/g | 15-30 m²/g |
5. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Chemical Stability | Stable at high temperatures; resistant in oxidative environments. |
| Conditions to Avoid | Strong acids, high humidity (prolonged), reducing environments. |
| Incompatible Materials | Strong acids, strong reducing agents, halogens. |
| Hazardous Decomposition Products | Upon oxidation at high temperatures: terbium oxide is stable; with acids: terbium salts. |
| Hazardous Polymerization | Will not occur. |
| Hygroscopicity | Low. |
5.1. Chemical Reactions
Reaction with Acids:
Tb₄O₇ + 14HCl → 4TbCl₃ + Cl₂↑ + 7H₂O
Tb₄O₇ + 14HNO₃ → 4Tb(NO₃)₃ + 3NO₂↑ + 7H₂O
Reduction (at High Temperature):
Tb₄O₇ + H₂ → Tb₂O₃ + H₂O (reduction)
Oxidation:
Tb₄O₇ + O₂ → TbO₂ (at high temperature)
6. APPLICATION AREAS
6.1. Phosphors and Lighting
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Green Phosphor (LED) | Light conversion | Green light production in fluorescent lamps and LEDs |
| Fluorescent Lamps | Green light emitter | Lighting systems |
| Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT) | Phosphor component | Legacy display technologies |
| Plasma Displays | Color conversion | Display technologies |
6.2. Glass and Ceramic Industry
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Green Pigment | Colorant | Glass and ceramic coloring |
| UV Absorption | UV filtering | Additive in special glasses |
| Glass Coloring | Optical coloring | Decorative and industrial glass |
| Ceramic Glazes | Color and gloss | Used in ceramic glazes |
6.3. Catalyst Applications
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive Catalytic Converters | Oxygen storage | Three-way catalysts |
| Redox Catalyst | Catalytic activity | Chemical industry |
| Oxidation Catalysts | Oxidation reactions | Organic synthesis |
6.4. Electronics and Magneto-Optics
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Magneto-Optic Devices | Optical switching | Data storage and communication |
| Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) | Mixed conductor | Research applications |
| Sensors | Gas detection | Oxygen sensors |
6.5. Metallurgy
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Alloy Additive | Mechanical property improvement | Special alloy applications |
| Grain Refiner | Microstructure control | Metallurgical processes |
6.6. Sectoral Suitability Table
| Sector | Suitability | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Phosphor/Lighting | Suitable | LEDs, fluorescent lamps, green phosphor |
| Glass and Ceramics | Suitable | Green pigment, UV absorption |
| Catalyst | Suitable | Automotive converters, redox catalysts |
| Electronics | Suitable | Magneto-optic devices, SOFC |
| Metallurgy | Suitable | Alloy additive, grain refiner |
| Food | Not Suitable | Rare earth oxide, not suitable |
| Cosmetics | Not Suitable | Rare earth oxide, not suitable |
7. PRODUCTION PROCESS
| Stage | Process | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Raw Material Preparation | Rare earth concentrates | Extraction from monazite or bastnäsite ores |
| 2. Separation | Solvent extraction | Separation of terbium from other rare earths |
| 3. Precipitation | Chemical precipitation | Precipitation of terbium salts |
| 4. Calcination | Thermal treatment | Conversion to oxide form (800-1000°C) |
| 5. Oxidation | Thermal oxidation | Oxidation to Tb₄O₇ form |
| 6. Milling | Mechanical processing | Achieving desired particle size |
| 7. Quality Control | Analysis and testing | ICP-OES, XRD, BET surface area |
7.1. Major Producing Countries
| Country | Description |
|---|---|
| China | Major producer |
| USA | Rare earth production |
| Australia | Rare earth mining |
8. ALTERNATIVE / SUBSTITUTE PRODUCTS
| Alternative | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Terbium Nitrate | For solution chemistry | When liquid form of terbium is required |
| Terbium Chloride | For solution chemistry | When liquid form of terbium is required |
| Europium Oxide (Eu₂O₃) | Red phosphor applications | When red color is required |
| Cerium Oxide (CeO₂) | Catalyst applications | Similar oxygen storage properties |
| Praseodymium Oxide (Pr₆O₁₁) | Catalyst applications | Similar mixed-valence properties |
9. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50, Rat) | > 2,000 mg/kg (low toxicity) |
| Dermal Toxicity | Low |
| Skin Irritation | Mild irritant |
| Eye Irritation | Mild to moderate irritant |
| Inhalation | Fine dust inhalation may cause respiratory tract irritation. |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified as carcinogenic. |
| Mutagenicity | Not mutagenic. |
| Chronic Effects | Rare earth oxides have low bioavailability; prolonged exposure may cause lung effects. |
| Environmental Hazards | Low to moderate aquatic toxicity. |
9.1. GHS Classification
| Hazard Class | Category | H-Statement |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Irritation | Category 2 | H315: Causes skin irritation. |
| Eye Irritation | Category 2A | H319: Causes serious eye irritation. |
| Specific Target Organ Toxicity | Category 3 | H335: May cause respiratory irritation. |
Signal Word: WARNING
Hazard Pictograms: GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)
10. PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| P261 | Avoid breathing dust. |
| P264 | Wash thoroughly after handling. |
| P271 | Use only in well-ventilated areas. |
| P280 | Wear protective gloves/eye protection/face protection. |
| P302+P352 | IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water. |
| P304+P340 | IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. |
| P305+P351+P338 | IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. |
| P337+P313 | If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. |
| P501 | Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. |
11. FIRST AID MEASURES
| Exposure Route | Action to Take |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | Remove to fresh air. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention. |
| Skin Contact | Wash with plenty of soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. |
| Eye Contact | Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. |
| Ingestion | Rinse mouth. Drink plenty of water. If large amount is swallowed, seek medical attention. |
12. STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE
| Parameter | Condition |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Ensure a moisture-free environment. |
| Container Requirements | Moisture-proof, tightly closed containers. |
| Temperature | Room temperature (15-25°C). |
| Shelf Life | 24-36 months under appropriate conditions. |
| Stability Note | Stable under normal conditions; should be stored in closed packaging to prevent moisture and CO₂ absorption. |
13. PACKAGING OPTIONS
| Packaging Type | Quantity | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Packaging | 5 g, 10 g, 25 g, 50 g, 100 g | HDPE bottle, aluminum foil bag |
| Industrial Packaging | 25 kg | PE-lined kraft bag, moisture-proof |
| Drum | 25 kg, 50 kg | HDPE drum, moisture-proof |
| IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) | 500 kg, 1000 kg | Moisture-proof, palletized |
14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| UN Number | Not classified (specific regulations apply for rare earth oxides) |
| Hazard Class | - |
| Packing Group | - |
| ADR/RID | Not regulated (special precautions may be required for powder form) |
| IMDG | Not regulated |
| IATA | Not regulated |
| HS Code | 2846.90.00.00.19 (Other rare earth compounds) |
15. REGULATORY STATUS
| Region / Authority | Status |
|---|---|
| European Union (REACH) | Registered |
| Turkey (KKDIK) | Compliance required |
| TSCA (USA) | Registered |
| EINECS | 234-123-7 |
| China (REACH equivalent) | Registered; major production and export country |
16. OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Terbia | Common short name |
| Terbium(III,IV) Oxide | Chemical name |
| Tb₄O₇ | Chemical abbreviation |
| Terbium Sesquioxide | Occasionally appears in commercial documents (incorrect) |
| Rare Earth Oxide | Category name |
| Terbium Oxide | English name |
17. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 12037-01-3 |
| EC Number | 234-123-7 |
| Chemical Formula | Tb₄O₇ |
| Molecular Weight | 747.69 g/mol |
| Appearance | Dark brown to black powder |
| Density | ~7.3 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | ~2,300 °C |
| Oxidation States | Tb³⁺/Tb⁴⁺ (mixed valence) |
| HS Code | 2846.90.00.00.19 |
| GHS Signal Word | WARNING |
18. CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES
CRITICAL WARNINGS:
Mixed Valence Structure: Tb₄O₇ contains both Tb³⁺ and Tb⁴⁺ ions. This property gives the compound oxygen storage capacity, catalytic activity, and colorant properties.
Phosphor Applications: Terbium-doped phosphors play a critical role in green light production in fluorescent lamps and LEDs.
Oxygen Storage Capacity: Used in automotive catalytic converters and redox catalysts.
High Purity Requirement: Phosphor, optical, and catalyst applications require high purity (>99.9%).
Powder Hazard: Fine powder form may cause respiratory tract irritation. Dust control measures must be taken.
BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Use moisture-proof, tightly closed containers.
Keep away from acids and reducing agents.
Store at room temperature (15-25°C).
Handling:
Use in well-ventilated areas with local exhaust ventilation.
Use a dust mask (N95 or better), protective goggles, and gloves.
Avoid dust formation and inhalation.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
For dissolution in acids, add oxide to acid slowly with cooling and stirring.
Waste Management:
Dispose of in accordance with local regulations.
Do not discharge into water sources.
For large quantities, rare earth recycling and recovery should be considered.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and has been prepared based on available technical data. The user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific applications and for complying with all local, national, and international regulations. For complete safety, storage, handling, transport, disposal, and regulatory compliance information, the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier must be consulted. This document does not substitute professional advice. Terbium oxide is a critical rare earth material for phosphor, catalyst, and optical applications due to its mixed-valence structure; careful handling and storage are required due to high purity requirements.