PR6645 Praseodymium Carbonate Powder (Pr2(CO3)3)

Praseodymium Carbonate Powder (Pr2(CO3)3) Description

Praseodymium Carbonate Powder (Pr₂(CO₃)₃) is a rare earth compound characterised by its pale green crystalline appearance and hygroscopic nature. It typically adopts a hexagonal or monoclinic crystal structure, with praseodymium ions (Pr³⁺) coordinated by carbonate (CO₃²⁻) groups in layered arrangements. The powder exhibits moderate solubility in water but readily reacts with acids, decomposing to release CO₂ gas and form praseodymium salts. Thermally, it demonstrates controlled decomposition behaviour, beginning at around 300-400°C, where it undergoes calcination to produce praseodymium oxide (Pr₆O₁₁) and carbon dioxide. This process is critical for generating high-purity oxide precursors used in advanced materials.

The material’s density ranges between 4.5-5.0 g/cm³, and its particle morphology varies from irregular microcrystals to nanoscale aggregates depending on synthesis methods. It displays weak paramagnetism due to Pr³⁺ ions’ unpaired electrons, though this property is less pronounced compared to other rare-earth compounds. Pr₂(CO₃)₃ is hygroscopic, gradually absorbing moisture in humid environments, which can alter its surface reactivity. Chemically, it acts as a mild base, reacting with strong acids to form soluble praseodymium salts while maintaining stability in neutral or weakly alkaline conditions.

Handling requires precautions to avoid inhalation of fine particles, as prolonged exposure may irritate the respiratory system. Its unique combination of thermal decomposition controllability, redox activity, and structural adaptability makes it a versatile intermediate in materials science and industrial processes.

Praseodymium Carbonate Powder (Pr2(CO3)3) Applications

1. Catalyst Precursors: Praseodymium carbonate serves as a key precursor for synthesising praseodymium oxide (Pr₆O₁₁), which is used in automotive exhaust catalysts and methane oxidation reactions due to its redox activity and oxygen storage capacity.

2. Optical Glass Manufacturing: Incorporated as an additive in specialised optical glasses, it imparts UV-absorption properties and adjusts refractive indices, critical for lenses, laser components, and radiation-shielding windows.

3. Functional Ceramics: Used in producing praseodymium-doped ceramics for electronic components (e.g., capacitors, sensors), where its thermal decomposition behaviour ensures precise stoichiometry and enhanced dielectric properties.

4. Magnetic Materials: Acts as an intermediate in synthesising praseodymium-based magnets and alloys, contributing to high-performance magnetic systems in motors and data storage devices.

5. Environmental Remediation: Demonstrates potential in heavy metal adsorption (e.g., arsenic or fluoride removal) due to Pr³⁺ coordination with pollutants, though less common than La/Ce-based counterparts.

6. Energy Storage: Explored in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) as a component in electrolyte or electrode materials, leveraging its ionic conductivity and thermal stability.

7. Pigments and Coatings: Praseodymium carbonate-derived compounds are used in yellow ceramic pigments and corrosion-resistant coatings, valued for their colour stability and chemical inertness.

Praseodymium Carbonate Powder (Pr2(CO3)3) Packaging

Our products are packaged in customised cartons of various sizes based on the material dimensions. Small items are securely packed in PP boxes, while larger items are placed in custom wooden crates. We ensure strict adherence to packaging customisation and the use of appropriate cushioning materials to provide optimal protection during transportation.

Packaging: Carton, Wooden Box, or Customised.

Kindly review the packaging details provided for your reference.

Manufacturing Process

1.       Testing Method

(1)    Chemical Composition Analysis - Verified using techniques such as GDMS or XRF to ensure compliance with purity requirements.

(2)    Mechanical Properties Testing - Includes tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation tests to assess material performance.

(3)    Dimensional Inspection - Measures thickness, width, and length to ensure adherence to specified tolerances.

(4)    Surface Quality Inspection - Checks for defects such as scratches, cracks, or inclusions through visual and ultrasonic examination.

(5)    Hardness Testing - Determines material hardness to confirm uniformity and mechanical reliability.

Please refer to the SAM testing procedures for detailed information.

Praseodymium Carbonate Powder (Pr2(CO3)3) FAQs

Q1. What are the primary applications of Praseodymium Carbonate Powder?

Pr₂(CO₃)₃ is widely used to synthesise praseodymium oxide (Pr₆O₁₁) for catalysts, optical glass additives, functional ceramics, and magnetic materials. It also shows potential in environmental remediation and energy storage technologies.

Q2. What is the physical form and recommended storage condition?

The powder appears as a pale green, hygroscopic microcrystalline material. Store in a sealed container in a dry, cool environment (temperature <30°C, humidity <50%) to prevent moisture absorption.

Q3. Is it stable at high temperatures?

Yes. It decomposes controllably at 300-400°C to form praseodymium oxide (Pr₆O₁₁) and CO₂, making it suitable for high-temperature processes like catalyst precursor preparation.

Related Information

1.       Common Preparation Methods

The preparation of praseodymium carbonate powder typically involves advanced synthetic strategies tailored to achieve desired structural, morphological, or functional properties. A common method is the coprecipitation technique, where aqueous solutions of praseodymium salts (e.g., PrCl₃ or Pr(NO₃)₃) are mixed with a carbonate source such as sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) or ammonium bicarbonate under controlled pH conditions (usually alkaline, pH 9-11). The reaction results in the formation of a pale green precipitate, which is then filtered, thoroughly washed to remove residual ions, and dried at moderate temperatures (60-100°C) to yield fine crystalline powder. Parameters like reaction temperature, stirring rate, and precursor concentration critically influence particle size and crystallinity.

For applications requiring enhanced surface area or hierarchical porosity, templating methods are employed. Surfactants such as sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) or block copolymers act as structure-directing agents, guiding the assembly of praseodymium and carbonate ions into ordered frameworks. After precipitation, the template is removed via calcination or solvent extraction, leaving behind materials with tailored pore structures ideal for catalysis or adsorption.

Another approach involves supported composite synthesis, where praseodymium carbonate is deposited onto substrates like activated carbon, silica, or biochar to improve stability and recyclability. For instance, biochar derived from biomass is impregnated with praseodymium salt solutions, followed by carbonate precipitation under alkaline conditions. The composite is then thermally treated to enhance adhesion and activity, particularly useful in environmental remediation processes.

To produce nanoscale particles with uniform morphology, solvothermal or hydrothermal methods are utilised. Precursor solutions containing praseodymium salts and urea (as a precipitant) are sealed in autoclaves and heated to 120-200°C. The high-pressure, high-temperature environment promotes controlled crystal growth, yielding nanoparticles with high purity and narrow size distribution, suitable for specialised applications like optics or energy storage.

Key characterisation techniques include X-ray diffraction (XRD) for phase analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphological assessment, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to study decomposition behaviour. Method selection depends on the target application: coprecipitation offers scalability for industrial production, templating optimises surface properties, and solvothermal synthesis prioritises nanoscale precision. Adjusting synthesis parameters (e.g., pH, surfactants, thermal profiles) enables fine-tuning of material performance, ensuring versatility across diverse technological applications.