Terbium (Tb)
Bid:
20%
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- Key Properties:
- One of the relatively rare lanthanoids.
- Exhibits unique magneto-optical properties.
Applications:
- Phosphors: Terbium provides bright green luminescence in phosphors (used in color displays, LEDs, and some X-ray screens).
- Magneto-Optics: Alloys containing terbium (e.g., TbFeCo) are used in magneto-optical storage devices.
- Permanent Magnets: Added in small amounts to adjust the properties of NdFeB or SmCo magnets.
Description
Chemical Symbol: Tb
Periodic Table Position: 65th element (part of the lanthanoid group)
Main Characteristics
- Appearance: Silvery-gray, relatively soft metal.
- Physical Properties: Density ~8.23 g/cm³, melting point ~1356°C.
- Magnetic Properties: Exhibits complex magnetic phases at different temperatures.
Key Applications
- Phosphors:
- Terbium oxide (Tb₄O₇) produces green light in lamps and displays (fluorescent lamps, LEDs).
- Magnets:
- Used in alloys with dysprosium and iron (TbDyFe) for certain sensors and actuators (materials with magnetostrictive properties).
- Solid-State Fuel Cells (Research):
- A promising field but not yet widely applied.
Interesting Facts
- Like several other elements, terbium is named after the Swedish village of Ytterby, where related minerals were first discovered.
- Terbium is a key component for producing bright green light in displays and lamps.
- Uniqueness: Used in magnet and phosphor production, enhances glass strength.
- Importance: Crucial for displays, lighting, and electronics.
- Extraction Challenges: Labor-intensive processing from rare earth ores.
