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Terbium Oxide, Terbium Sesquioxide, Terbia, 12037-01-3

Terbium 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.

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