Cerium: A Rare Earth Element with a Rich History
Cerium is a silvery-white metal that belongs to the group of elements known as rare earths. It has the chemical symbol Ce and the atomic number 58.
It is named after the Roman goddess of agriculture and fertility, Ceres, and is one of the most abundant of the rare earth elements. In this article, we will explore the intriguing history of cerium, its properties, and where it is found.
Where Cerium is Found
Cerium is primarily obtained from rare earth minerals such as bastnaesite and monazite, both of which contain around 1% cerium. It can also be found in smaller amounts in minerals like cerite and allanite.
However, the most common way of obtaining cerium is by extracting it from cerium oxide through electrochemical reduction. Cerium’s Properties
Cerium is a soft, ductile, and malleable metal that is resistant to corrosion.
It is one of the most reactive of the rare earth metals and easily oxidizes in the air. Cerium can be found in two oxidation states, +3 and +4, which is why it is used in various applications.
Cerium is also used in glass polishing, as a catalyst in the automotive industry, and in the production of steel and iron. History of Cerium’s Name
Cerium is named after the Roman goddess of agriculture and fertility, Ceres.
This is because the rare earth element was discovered in 1803, which was coincidentally the same year that the asteroid Ceres was discovered. Carl Gustaf Mosander, a Swedish chemist, discovered that cerium could be extracted from cerium oxide.
He suggested that the new element be called “ceria,” in honor of the mineral from which it was extracted. This was later changed to “cerium” by Jons Jakob Berzelius, a Swedish chemist.
Discovery of Cerium
The discovery of cerium is credited to three prominent scientists who first observed it in cerite, a rare mineral. These scientists were Wilhelm von Hisinger, a Swedish chemist, Martin Heinrich Klaproth, a German chemist, and Jons Jakob Berzelius.
They all noticed that cerite contained a new oxide, which they believed to be a new element. Klaproth named it ceria, while Berzelius proposed that it be called cerium.
It was later found that ceria and cerium were the same compound.
Isotopes of Cerium
There are four stable isotopes of cerium, including cerium-136, cerium-138, cerium-140, and cerium-142. In addition, cerium also has radioactive isotopes, the most common of which are cerium-144 and cerium-139.
Scientists have used these isotopes to help shed light on the properties and behavior of cerium in various environments.
Conclusion
Cerium is an intriguing rare earth element with a rich history. From its discovery in minerals like cerite to its application in the modern world, cerium has continued to amaze scientists and researchers.
Whether it’s its unique properties or its wide range of uses, there is no doubt that cerium will continue to play a vital role in our world.
Properties and Characteristics of Cerium
Cerium is a rare earth element that belongs to the lanthanide series. It is found in the earth’s crust in combination with other rare earth metals such as praseodymium, neodymium, and lanthanum.
In this section, we will discuss the various properties and characteristics of cerium, including its general properties, physical properties, chemical properties, and uses.
General Properties of Cerium
Cerium has an atomic mass of 140.116 and an atomic number of 58. It has a melting point of 795C and a boiling point of 3,469C.
Cerium has a density of 6.77 g/cm, which is higher than most of the rare earth metals.
Physical Properties of Cerium
Cerium is a soft, ductile, and malleable metal that is highly reactive. It is silvery-white in color and easily tarnishes in the air, forming a dark oxide layer.
Cerium is moderately hard, making it easy to cut or shape into small pieces. It is a good conductor of electricity and heat, with thermal conductivity of 11.3 W/mK.
Chemical Properties of Cerium
Cerium can exist in two oxidation states, +3 and +4. Ceriums electron configuration is [Xe] 4f^15d^16s^2, and it has four valence electrons.
It has seven stable isotopes, with cerium-140 being the most abundant. Cerium is highly reactive and can readily form compounds with oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen.
It also readily reacts with water, releasing hydrogen gas.
Uses of Cerium
Cerium has a wide range of applications in industries ranging from metallurgy, polishing, and automotive, to electrical, aerospace, and healthcare. Here are some of the main uses of cerium:
1.
Mischmetal Alloy: Cerium is used as a key ingredient in mischmetal, a high-strength alloy used in the production of lighter flints, sparking rods, and other pyrophoric materials. 2.
Catalyst: Cerium is used as a catalyst in various chemical reactions, including the catalytic cracking of petroleum, solid oxide fuel cells, and the production of organic compounds. 3.
Self-Cleaning Ovens: When used in the production of self-cleaning ovens, cerium oxide catalyzes carbon combustion and removes the built-up grease inside ovens. 4.
Glass Polishing: Cerium oxide is used as a polishing agent for glass, ceramics, and gemstones due to its high refractive index and elemental purity. 5.
Catalytic Converters: Cerium is used in catalytic converters to reduce harmful emissions, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. 6.
Soot Reduction: Cerium compounds, such as cerium oxide and cerium acetate, are used in diesel additive formulations to reduce soot emissions. 7.
Coloring Pigment: Cerium is used in the production of colorful pigments for glass, ceramics, and artwork. 8.
Phosphors: Cerium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Ce:YAG) is used as a phosphor in fluorescent lamps and plasma displays. 9.
Topical Ointment: Cerium compounds are used in topical ointments to treat skin burns, sores, and ulcers due to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Toxicity of Cerium
Cerium is not generally considered a toxic element. In fact, it is essential for the body’s biological processes, including muscle and bone growth.
However, excessive exposure to cerium dust or fumes can cause respiratory irritation and damage to the lungs. Long-term consumption of high doses of cerium via contaminated food or water can cause liver and kidney damage.
Interesting Facts
Here are some interesting facts about cerium:
1. Cerium is named after the Roman goddess of agriculture and fertility, Ceres.
2. Cerium is a metal that can ignite spontaneously when exposed to the air, which is why it was once used in early lighter flints.
3. Cerium is the most abundant of all rare earth elements and is found in various minerals, including monazite, bastnaesite, and cerite.
4. Cerium readily reacts with water, releasing hydrogen gas and forming cerium(IV) hydroxide.
5. When heated to high temperatures, cerium undergoes a process called oxidation, converting its surface into a ceramic-like layer known as ceria.
Conclusion
Cerium is a fascinating rare earth element with unique properties and characteristics. From its use in mischmetal alloys to its role in the production of self-cleaning ovens and catalytic converters, cerium has played a critical role in many industries.
Despite having some toxicity concerns, cerium remains an essential element for various biological and industrial processes.
Cost of Cerium
Cerium is a valuable and versatile rare earth metal with a wide range of applications. Its unique properties make it essential for various industries, but like most rare elements, cerium is not cheap.
In this article, we will discuss the cost of cerium and how it varies depending on the quantity and form.
Cost of Pure Cerium
Pure cerium is a highly reactive metal with a silvery-white appearance and high melting point. It is mostly used in research and laboratory settings, where its purity is essential.
The cost of pure cerium varies depending on the supplier, the quantity, and the level of purity required. On average, one kilogram of high-purity cerium costs between $500 and $800.
Bulk Pricing
The cost of cerium decreases significantly when purchased in bulk or as an alloy. This cost reduction is due to several factors, including economies of scale, simplified logistics, and lower processing costs.
In general, purchasing larger quantities of cerium can lead to significant cost savings. For example, one kilogram of cerium oxide, which is often used in applications such as glass polishing and catalytic converters, costs around $50 if purchased in bulk.
Similarly, purchasing one kilogram of cerium metal as an alloy or in a compound form can cost considerably less than purchasing pure cerium. The cost of cerium decreases further when purchased as part of a larger rare earth element package.
Factors Affecting the
Cost of Cerium
The cost of cerium can vary widely based on a number of factors. Here are some of the most important factors that affect the cost of cerium:
1.
Purity: The higher the level of purity required, the higher the cost of cerium. 2.
Quantity: The cost of cerium decreases significantly when purchased in larger quantities. 3.
Form: Cerium can be purchased in various forms, including pure metal, alloys, and compounds, with their respective costs and benefits. 4.
Supplier: The cost of cerium can vary depending on the supplier, geographical location, and market demand. 5.
Availability: Cerium is not widely available and requires complex extraction processes, which can affect its overall cost.
Uses of Cerium Affect Cost
The cost of cerium can also vary based on its intended usage. For example, cerium used in catalytic converters may cost more than cerium used in glass polishing.
This is due to the different requirements for each application, which can affect the level of purity required, the quantity needed, and the processing required.
Conclusion
Cerium is a valuable and versatile rare earth metal that has a wide range of applications. Its cost can vary depending on several factors, including its level of purity, the quantity purchased, form, supplier, and intended use.
Purchasing cerium in bulk can lead to significant cost savings, particularly when purchased as part of a larger rare earth element package. Despite its relatively high cost, cerium remains an essential element for many industries, and its unique properties make it an important asset for research and development.
In conclusion, the cost of cerium, a rare earth element with various applications, varies depending on factors such as purity, quantity, form, supplier, and intended use. Pure cerium can range from $500 to $800 per kilogram, but the cost decreases significantly when purchased in bulk or as an alloy.
Other factors like availability and market demand also influence the price. Despite the cost, cerium remains essential for industries such as glass polishing, catalytic converters, and research.
Understanding the cost factors and exploring bulk purchasing options can lead to significant savings in utilizing this valuable element. FAQs:
1.
What is the cost of pure cerium? – The cost of pure cerium ranges from $500 to $800 per kilogram.
2. Does the cost of cerium decrease when purchased in bulk?
– Yes, the cost of cerium significantly decreases when purchased in larger quantities. 3.
What factors affect the cost of cerium? – Factors such as purity, quantity, form, supplier, availability, and intended use can influence the cost of cerium.
4. Why does cerium used in different applications have different costs?
– The requirements and processing needed for each application can affect the cost of cerium. For example, cerium used in catalytic converters may cost more than cerium used in glass polishing.
5. Is cerium an important element despite its cost?
– Yes, cerium is essential for various industries, including glass polishing, catalytic converters, and research, due to its unique properties and versatile nature.