What Is Niobium Oxide?
Niobium oxide encompasses oxides of niobium, including common forms like niobium (II) oxide (NbO) and niobium (V) oxide (Nb2O5), known respectively as niobium monoxide and niobium pentoxide. Niobium oxide is not classified under the Fire Service Law or the Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Law.
Uses of Niobium Oxide
Niobium oxide’s high refractive index in visible light makes it ideal for compact camera lenses and single-lens reflex cameras, aiding in product miniaturization and weight reduction. Its corrosion and acid resistance broaden its applications to automotive glass, low-reflection films for displays, semiconductor materials, photocatalytic materials, laminated ceramic capacitors, and valve metals.
Properties of Niobium Oxide
1. Niobium (II) Oxide
A black solid with metallic conductivity, NbO is stable, nonflammable, insoluble in water and nitric acid but slightly soluble in hydrogen chloride, with a melting point of 1,937°C.
2. Niobium (V) Oxide
Appearing as a white powder, Nb2O5 is insoluble in water and most mineral acids except for hydrofluoric acid, soluble in alkalis, with a melting point of 1,512°C and a density of 4.60 g/mL.
Types of Niobium Oxide
Commercially, both niobium (II) and niobium (V) oxides are available, with niobium (V) oxide being the predominant form used in industrial and research applications.
1. Reagent Products
Niobium (V) oxide, or niobium pentoxide, is primarily marketed for R&D, available in various sizes for laboratory use. Niobium (II) oxide is also available but in smaller quantities.
2. Industrial Niobium Compounds
As an industrial compound, niobium (V) oxide is used in piezoelectric materials and optical single crystals, sold in large volumes like 20 kg metal pails.
Other Information on Niobium Oxide
1. Synthesis
Niobium (V) oxide can be synthesized from niobium (V) chloride hydrolysis, while niobium (II) oxide can be obtained by reducing niobium (V) oxide with hydrogen or through homogenization.
2. Chemical Reactions
Industrial processes can convert niobium (V) oxide to niobium (II) using aluminum or carbon, and niobium (V) chloride can be produced from niobium (V) oxide and thionyl chloride. Additionally, niobium oxychloride (NbOCl3) reacts with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) to yield more NbOCl3.