What Is Zirconium Phosphate?
Zirconium phosphate, also known as zirconium bis(phosphate), is an acidic compound with the chemical formula H3O4PZr. It has a CAS No. of 13765-95-2 and an MITI No. of 1-723. This compound appears as a white powder and is almost insoluble in water and organic solvents but soluble in acids. Upon heating, it decomposes and hydrolyzes in basic solutions.
The term “zirconium phosphate” is often used generically for a range of compounds including bis(phosphoric acid)dihydrogen zirconium(IV) (H2O8P2Zr, CAS No.: 13772-29-7, MITI No.: 1-723), tris(phosphoric acid)dihydrogen zirconium(IV), tetrakis(phosphoric acid)trizirconium(IV), and tetrakis(phosphoric acid)octahydrogen zirconium(IV). Bis(phosphoric acid)dihydrogen zirconium(IV) is classified as a non-hazardous substance.
Uses of Zirconium Phosphate
Zirconium phosphate is utilized in various fields due to its chemical properties. It serves as a reagent for testing and research, a sealing material, an adsorbent, an electrolyte material, and an ion exchange material. It can be processed into particles for diverse applications, including agglomeration or sintering into ceramics. These ceramics are used in inorganic antibacterial agents, clinical dialysis machines, ion exchangers, and more.
Zirconium metal phosphate containing elements like Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Ag can function as a catalyst in the decomposition of ammonia to produce hydrogen, highlighting its versatility in industrial applications.