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Send EmailTerbium Carbonate Hydrate, 100587-96-0
TERBIUM CARBONATE HYDRATE (TERBIUM(III) CARBONATE)
Chemical Name: Terbium(III) Carbonate Hydrate
CAS Number: 100587-96-0
EC Number: 228-002-9
UN Number: 3077 (Environmentally hazardous substance)
Customs Tariff Code: 2836.99.00.00
1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name (IUPAC) | Terbium(III) carbonate hydrate |
| Other Names | Terbium Carbonate, Terbium Tricarbonate Hydrate, Tb₂(CO₃)₃·xH₂O |
| CAS Number | 100587-96-0 |
| EC Number (EINECS) | 228-002-9 |
| Molecular Formula | Tb₂(CO₃)₃·xH₂O |
| Molecular Weight | ~497.9 g/mol (anhydrous basis; varies with hydration) |
| Chemical Class | Inorganic carbonate / Rare earth metal carbonate |
| Appearance | White powder (may be slightly hygroscopic) |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Crystal Structure | Hydrated form |
CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION:
Terbium Carbonate Hydrate (Tb₂(CO₃)₃·xH₂O) is the carbonate salt of terbium in the +3 oxidation state, containing variable amounts of water of crystallization. It is a white, water-insoluble powder that readily dissolves in acids. Terbium is a lanthanide element with exceptional optical properties, particularly known for its characteristic green luminescence. Terbium compounds are critical for phosphors used in lighting, displays, and various optical applications. Terbium Carbonate is a key precursor for terbium oxide (Tb₂O₃) production and is used in catalysts, phosphors, optical materials, magnetostrictive alloys (Terfenol-D), and electronic applications.
Structural Features:
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Insoluble in water
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Readily dissolves in acids
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White powder appearance
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Thermal decomposition yields Tb₂O₃
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Key precursor for terbium-based phosphors and optical materials
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Characteristic green luminescence properties
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High magnetostriction
2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | Tb₂(CO₃)₃·xH₂O |
| Molecular Weight | ~497.9 g/mol (anhydrous basis) |
| Appearance | White powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | Not established |
| Melting Point | Not distinct; decomposes on heating |
| Decomposition Temperature | ~300-700°C (to Tb₂O₃) |
| Solubility in Water | Insoluble |
| Solubility in Acids | Soluble |
| Solubility in Organic Solvents | Insoluble |
| Hygroscopicity | May be slightly hygroscopic |
| Thermal Decomposition | Tb₂(CO₃)₃ → Tb₂O₃ + 3CO₂↑ |
| Optical Properties | Characteristic green luminescence (phosphors) |
| Magnetostriction | High (Terfenol-D applications) |
| Loss on Ignition | ~30-35% (hydrate water + CO₂) |
Terbium Carbonate Hydrate is a white, odorless powder. It is insoluble in water but readily dissolves in acids. Upon heating, it decomposes to terbium oxide (Tb₂O₃) with the release of carbon dioxide (CO₂). Terbium compounds are renowned for their characteristic green luminescence and are critical for phosphor applications. Terbium also exhibits high magnetostriction, making it valuable for specialty alloys like Terfenol-D.
3. SOLUBILITY PROFILE
| Solvent | Solubility | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Insoluble | All temperatures |
| Dilute Acids | Soluble | Forms Tb³⁺ salts |
| Hydrochloric Acid | Soluble | TbCl₃ formation |
| Nitric Acid | Soluble | Tb(NO₃)₃ formation |
| Sulfuric Acid | Soluble | Tb₂(SO₄)₃ formation |
| Organic Solvents | Insoluble | - |
Terbium Carbonate is insoluble in water and organic solvents. It readily dissolves in dilute acids, forming the corresponding terbium(III) salts. This solubility profile makes it useful as a precursor for various terbium compounds.
4. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Class | Inorganic carbonate / Rare earth metal carbonate |
| Oxidation State | Tb³⁺ (+3) |
| Thermal Decomposition | Tb₂(CO₃)₃ → Tb₂O₃ + 3CO₂↑ (~300-700°C) |
| Acid Dissolution | Dissolves in acids forming Tb³⁺ salts |
| Precipitation | Forms insoluble carbonates from Tb³⁺ solutions |
| Hydrolysis | Negligible in aqueous suspensions |
| Complex Formation | Forms complexes with various ligands |
| Redox Properties | Tb³⁺/Tb⁴⁺ redox couple |
Terbium Carbonate is a typical rare earth carbonate. Upon heating, it decomposes to terbium oxide (Tb₂O₃). It readily dissolves in acids to form terbium salts and is an important precursor for various terbium compounds used in phosphor and optical applications. Terbium can exist in both +3 and +4 oxidation states.
Key Chemical Reactions:
Thermal Decomposition:
Tb₂(CO₃)₃ → Tb₂O₃ + 3CO₂↑ (~300-700°C)
Acid Dissolution:
Tb₂(CO₃)₃ + 6HCl → 2TbCl₃ + 3CO₂↑ + 3H₂O
Precipitation Reaction:
2Tb³⁺ + 3CO₃²⁻ → Tb₂(CO₃)₃ ↓
5. SPECIFICATIONS (TECHNICAL AND HIGH PURITY)
| Parameter | Technical Grade | High Purity |
|---|---|---|
| Purity (Tb₂(CO₃)₃) | ≥ 99.0% | ≥ 99.9% - 99.99% |
| Appearance | White powder | White powder |
| Rare Earth Impurities | ≤ 0.5% | ≤ 0.01% - 0.001% |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.01% | ≤ 0.001% |
| Calcium (Ca) | ≤ 0.01% | ≤ 0.001% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ≤ 0.01% | ≤ 0.001% |
| Sodium (Na) | ≤ 0.05% | ≤ 0.01% |
| Chloride (Cl) | ≤ 0.01% | ≤ 0.005% |
| Sulfate (SO₄) | ≤ 0.01% | ≤ 0.005% |
| Loss on Ignition | ~30-35% | ~30-35% |
| Shelf Life | ~2 years | ~2 years |
Terbium Carbonate is available in various grades from technical (≥ 99%) to high purity (≥ 99.99%). High purity grades are essential for phosphor, optical, and electronic applications where trace impurities significantly affect luminescence performance.
6. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES
6.1. Terbium Oxide (Tb₂O₃) Production (Most Important Application)
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Precursor | Thermal decomposition yields high-purity Tb₂O₃ |
| Phosphor Precursor | Used in green phosphor production |
| Catalyst Precursor | Used in catalyst preparation |
| Magnetostrictive Materials | Precursor for Terfenol-D alloys |
Terbium Carbonate is the primary precursor for terbium oxide (Tb₂O₃) production. Upon heating, it decomposes to Tb₂O₃, which is essential for green phosphors, catalysts, magnetostrictive alloys, and optical applications.
6.2. Phosphors and Optical Applications (Critical Application)
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Green Phosphors | Critical for green emission in lighting (LEDs) and displays (CRT, LCD, plasma) |
| Energy-Saving Lamps | Used in fluorescent lamp phosphors |
| LED Phosphors | Used in white LED production |
| Optical Glasses | Used in specialty glass formulations |
| Laser Materials | Used in laser systems |
| X-Ray Phosphors | Used in X-ray imaging systems |
| Scintillation Detectors | Used in radiation detection |
Terbium compounds are critical for green-emitting phosphors used in lighting, displays, and optical applications. Terbium-doped phosphors provide the green component in RGB color systems for LEDs, CRT displays, plasma displays, and fluorescent lighting.
6.3. Magnetostrictive Materials (Terfenol-D)
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Terfenol-D Alloys | Terbium-based magnetostrictive alloys (Tb₀.₃Dy₀.₇Fe₂) |
| Actuators | Used in precision actuators and sensors |
| Sonar Transducers | Used in underwater acoustic systems |
| Vibration Control | Used in active vibration damping systems |
Terbium is a critical component of Terfenol-D, the most magnetostrictive alloy known. This material is used in actuators, sensors, sonar transducers, and vibration control systems.
6.4. Catalyst Applications
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Catalyst Precursor | Precursor for terbium-based catalysts |
| Chemical Synthesis | Used in catalytic applications |
| Automotive Catalysts | Used in emissions control catalysts |
6.5. Electronics and Vacuum Systems
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Sputtering Targets | Precursor for Tb₂O₃ sputtering targets |
| Thin Film Coatings | Used in vacuum deposition systems |
| Electronic Materials | Used in specialty electronic applications |
6.6. Nanotechnology
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Tb₂O₃ Nanoparticles | Source material for Tb₂O₃ nanoparticle production |
| Luminescent Nanomaterials | Used in advanced luminescent nanomaterial synthesis |
| Nanophosphors | Used in nanophosphor applications |
6.7. Defense and Specialty Optics
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Laser Optics | Used in precision laser systems |
| Optical Filters | Used in specialized filter systems |
| Spectroscopic Systems | Used in defense and spectroscopy applications |
| Night Vision | Used in optical systems |
7. ALTERNATIVE / EQUIVALENT PRODUCTS
| Product | Description | Preference Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Terbium Oxide (Tb₂O₃) | Direct use in phosphors and optics | Already oxidized form |
| Terbium Hydroxide (Tb(OH)₃) | Alternative precursor for Tb₂O₃ | Different decomposition pathway |
| Terbium Nitrate (Tb(NO₃)₃) | Soluble terbium source | Water-soluble, easy processing |
| Terbium Chloride (TbCl₃) | Alternative soluble form | Water-soluble, different anion |
| Lanthanide Carbonates (La₂(CO₃)₃, Pr₂(CO₃)₃, Nd₂(CO₃)₃) | Similar rare earth carbonate functions | Different optical properties |
| Yttrium Carbonate (Y₂(CO₃)₃) | Alternative for ceramic and coating applications | Lower cost, different properties |
8. SECTOR SUITABILITY TABLE
| Sector / Application | Suitability | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Catalysts | Suitable | Tb₂O₃ catalyst production precursor |
| Optics & Phosphors | Critical | Glass and green emission phosphor systems |
| Magnetostrictive | Suitable | Terfenol-D alloy production |
| Electronics | Suitable | Vacuum systems and sputtering targets |
| Nanotechnology | Suitable | Tb₂O₃ nanoparticle production source |
| Defense | Suitable | Laser optics and filter systems |
| Cosmetics | Not Suitable | Direct use not recommended |
| Food & Pharmaceuticals | Prohibited | Not permitted due to carbonate structure |
9. COMMON NAMES
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Terbium carbonate
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White carbonate powder
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Phosphor additive
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Terbium salt
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Terbium tricarbonate hydrate
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Rare earth carbonate
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Green phosphor precursor
10. PRODUCTION PROCESS
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Starting Material | Terbium-containing rare earth solutions or salts |
| Purification | Purification of terbium salt solution |
| Precipitation | Carbonate precipitation with sodium carbonate or ammonium bicarbonate |
| Reaction | 2Tb³⁺ + 3CO₃²⁻ → Tb₂(CO₃)₃ ↓ |
| Filtration | Separation of precipitate from mother liquor |
| Washing | Washing to remove impurities |
| Drying | Drying at 100-150°C with controlled hydration |
| Grinding | Grinding to desired particle size |
| Packaging | Packaging |
Reaction Equation:
2TbCl₃ + 3Na₂CO₃ → Tb₂(CO₃)₃ + 6NaCl
Production Types: Technical and high purity grades
Major Producing Countries: China, India, United States
Commercial Purity: Ranges from 99% to 99.99%
11. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| GHS Classification | GHS07 (Warning) |
| Hazard Statements | H315 (Skin irritation), H319 (Serious eye irritation), H335 (Respiratory tract irritation) |
| Precautionary Statements | P261, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338 |
| Signal Word | Warning |
| UN Number | 3077 (Environmentally hazardous substance) |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified |
| Reproductive Toxicity | Not classified |
| Ecotoxicity | Low to moderate aquatic toxicity |
SPECIAL WARNINGS: Terbium Carbonate may cause skin irritation, serious eye irritation, and respiratory tract irritation. It is classified as an environmentally hazardous substance under UN 3077. Environmental release must be prevented. Terbium compounds are generally considered of low toxicity but should be handled with appropriate precautions.
12. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| UN Number | 3077 (Environmentally hazardous substance) |
| Hazard Class | 9 |
| Packing Group | III |
| Proper Shipping Name | Environmentally hazardous substance, solid, n.o.s. (Terbium carbonate) |
| Marine Pollutant | Yes |
| ADR/RID Label | 9 |
Terbium Carbonate is classified as an environmentally hazardous substance under UN 3077.
13. REGULATORY INFORMATION
| Region | Status |
|---|---|
| EU | REACH registered |
| Turkey (KKDİK) | Mandatory compliance; registration required |
| USA (TSCA) | Listed |
| EINECS | 228-002-9 |
| Customs Tariff Code | 2836.99.00.00 |
Terbium Carbonate is registered in all major industrial markets. KKDİK registration is required for use in Turkey.
14. STORAGE AND HANDLING
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Cool, dry, well-ventilated area; store in dry conditions |
| Container Requirements | Tightly closed containers |
| Materials to Avoid | Strong acids, moisture |
| Shelf Life | ~2 years (under proper storage) |
| Hygroscopicity | May be slightly hygroscopic |
| Packaging Options | 100 g, 500 g, 1 kg, 5 kg, 25 kg |
Handling Notes:
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Avoid dust formation and inhalation
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Avoid skin and eye contact (use protective gloves and safety goggles)
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Use in well-ventilated areas
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Keep away from acids
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Prevent environmental release
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Due to slight hygroscopic tendency, store in dry conditions
15. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Fire Hazard | Not flammable |
| Extinguishing Media | Water spray, CO₂, dry chemical powder |
| Special Hazards | Thermal decomposition releases CO₂ |
| Protective Equipment | Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full protective clothing |
| Decomposition Products | Terbium oxides, CO₂ |
Terbium Carbonate is not flammable. Thermal decomposition may release CO₂.
16. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Personal Protection | Wear appropriate PPE (dust mask, safety goggles, protective clothing, gloves) |
| Ventilation | Increase ventilation |
| Containment | Prevent dust dispersion; contain spill |
| Cleaning Methods | Carefully sweep or vacuum; place in appropriate disposal container |
| Environmental Precautions | Prevent entry into drains, sewers, and water bodies |
| Waste Disposal | Dispose according to local regulations |
In case of spillage, appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn. Environmental release must be prevented.
17. FIRST AID MEASURES
| Exposure Route | Action |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | Move person to fresh air. If respiratory irritation persists, seek medical attention. |
| Skin Contact | Wash with plenty of water and soap; remove contaminated clothing. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. |
| Eye Contact | Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if present. Seek medical attention. |
| Ingestion | Rinse mouth with water. Do NOT induce vomiting. Seek medical attention. |
18. RAW MATERIALS AND DOWNSTREAM PRODUCTS
18.1. Raw Materials (Upstream)
| Raw Material | Description |
|---|---|
| Monazite Sand | Rare earth ore containing terbium |
| Bastnäsite | Rare earth carbonate mineral |
| Xenotime | Yttrium-rich, terbium-containing mineral |
| Terbium Chloride (TbCl₃) | Starting material for precipitation |
| Terbium Nitrate (Tb(NO₃)₃) | Alternative starting material |
| Sodium Carbonate (Na₂CO₃) | Precipitation agent |
18.2. Downstream Products
| Product | Application |
|---|---|
| Terbium Oxide (Tb₂O₃) | Green phosphors, catalysts, ceramics |
| Green Phosphors | LEDs, displays, fluorescent lamps |
| Terfenol-D Alloys | Actuators, sensors, sonar transducers |
| Terbium-Doped Materials | Optical amplifiers, laser materials |
| Terbium-Based Catalysts | Chemical synthesis, emissions control |
19. QUALITY CONTROL PARAMETERS
| Parameter | Analytical Method | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | Titration / ICP | Complexometric titration or ICP analysis |
| Terbium Content | Gravimetric / ICP | Determined as Tb₂O₃ |
| Carbonate Content | Gravimetric | CO₂ determination |
| Rare Earth Impurities | ICP-MS / ICP-OES | Detection of other lanthanides |
| Metal Impurities | ICP-MS / ICP-OES | Fe, Ca, Mg, Na, Zn, Cu, etc. |
| Loss on Ignition | Gravimetric | Calcination to Tb₂O₃ |
| Appearance | Visual | White powder |
| Particle Size | Laser Diffraction | Particle size distribution |
| Luminescence Testing | Spectrofluorometry | Green emission quality verification |
20. SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS
SUMMARY:
Terbium Carbonate Hydrate (Tb₂(CO₃)₃·xH₂O, CAS 100587-96-0) is a white powder with a molecular weight of approximately 497.9 g/mol on an anhydrous basis. It is insoluble in water but readily dissolves in acids. Thermal decomposition yields terbium oxide (Tb₂O₃). Terbium compounds are renowned for their characteristic green luminescence and high magnetostriction.
Its most important application is as a precursor for terbium oxide (Tb₂O₃) used in green-emitting phosphors for LEDs, displays, and fluorescent lighting. Terbium provides the green component in RGB color systems. It is also critical for Terfenol-D magnetostrictive alloys used in actuators, sensors, and sonar transducers. Additional applications include catalysts, optical materials, nanotechnology, and electronic applications.
The compound is classified as an environmentally hazardous substance under UN 3077. It may cause skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation. Storage should be in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas away from acids. Due to slight hygroscopic tendency, store in dry conditions. Shelf life is approximately 2 years under proper storage conditions.
Key Properties:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White powder |
| Chemical Formula | Tb₂(CO₃)₃·xH₂O |
| Molecular Weight | ~497.9 g/mol (anhydrous) |
| CAS Number | 100587-96-0 |
| EC Number | 228-002-9 |
| Decomposition Temperature | ~300-700°C (to Tb₂O₃) |
| Water Solubility | Insoluble |
| Hygroscopicity | Slight tendency |
| Primary Use | Tb₂O₃ precursor, green phosphors |
Major Application Areas:
| Sector | Applications |
|---|---|
| Optics & Phosphors | Green phosphors for LEDs, displays, fluorescent lamps |
| Magnetostrictive | Terfenol-D alloys for actuators and sensors |
| Catalysts | Tb₂O₃ catalyst production |
| Electronics | Sputtering targets, thin films |
| Nanotechnology | Tb₂O₃ nanoparticles, luminescent nanomaterials |
| Defense | Laser optics, optical filters |
Key Safety Points:
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ENVIRONMENTALLY HAZARDOUS: UN 3077
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IRRITANT: Skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation
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STORAGE: Cool, dry, well-ventilated, away from acids
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PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Gloves, safety goggles, dust mask
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HYGROSCOPIC: Store in dry conditions
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LUMINESCENCE: Critical for optical and display applications
CRITICAL WARNINGS:
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GREEN PHOSPHOR CRITICALITY: Terbium is essential for green-emitting phosphors used in LEDs, displays, and fluorescent lighting. The green component in RGB color systems depends critically on terbium-doped materials. High purity (99.99% and above) is essential for optimal luminescence performance.
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MAGNETOSTRICTIVE APPLICATIONS: Terbium is a critical component of Terfenol-D (Tb₀.₃Dy₀.₇Fe₂), the most magnetostrictive alloy known. This material is essential for precision actuators, sensors, sonar transducers, and active vibration control systems.
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UN 3077 CLASSIFICATION: Classified as an environmentally hazardous substance under UN 3077. Release into the environment during transport, storage, or disposal must be strictly prevented.
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Tb₂O₃ PRECURSOR: This compound is the primary precursor for terbium oxide production. The quality of the carbonate directly affects the luminescence and magnetic properties of the final Tb₂O₃ product.
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REDOX PROPERTIES: Terbium can exist in both +3 and +4 oxidation states. The +3 state is most common for optical applications, but careful control of oxidation state may be required for specific applications.
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HYGROSCOPIC TENDENCY: May exhibit slight hygroscopic tendency; store in dry conditions. Prolonged exposure to humid environments may cause mass changes.
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CUSTOMS CLASSIFICATION: The correct customs tariff code is 2836.99.00.00.
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REGULATORY COMPLIANCE: REACH, KKDİK, and TSCA registration requirements apply. Not permitted for food, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical applications.
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SUPPLY CRITICALITY: Terbium is a heavy rare earth element with limited supply. It is classified as a critical raw material by several economies due to its strategic importance in phosphor, lighting, and magnetostrictive applications.
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VALENCE CONTROL: Terbium compounds require careful control of oxidation state during processing. The Tb³⁺/Tb⁴⁺ redox couple can affect optical and magnetic properties.
Important Disclaimer: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only. The information provided is based on available data and is believed to be accurate. However, the user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific applications and for complying with all applicable regulations and safety requirements. For complete safety, handling, storage, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. All local, national, and international regulations must be followed when working with Terbium Carbonate.
