Niobium oxide

Chemical properties

Niobium(V) oxide is a white crystalline powder and turns into light yellow when meeting oxygen. Insoluble in water, insoluble in acid, soluble in molten potassium hydrogen sulfate or alkali metal carbonate and hydroxide.

Physical properties

White orthogonal crystals; density 4.60 g/cm³; melts at 1,512°C; insoluble in water; soluble in hydrofluoric acid.

The Uses of Niobium oxide

Niobium(V) oxide is the precursor to a majority of niobium compounds, powder metallurgy products and alloys. It is also used in glass, optic and ceramic applications. The nanoparticles of niobium pentoxide are useful in the preparation of electrochemical capacitors and cathodes. In addition, appropriate preparations of this compound can be used as a dietary supplement in the food industry. It is a precursor to lithium niobate which finds extensive use in piezoelectric sensors, anti-aliasing filters, optical waveguides, mobile phones, surface acoustic devices, optical modulators including linear and non-linear optical applications.

What are the applications of Application

Niobium(V) oxide is an alternative to lithium metal in advanced fuel cells

Preparation

Niobium pentoxide is produced as an intermediate during recovery of Nb metal from ores (See niobium).
Also, the pentoxide may be produced by igniting niobium metal powder, niobium carbide, or niobium fluoride in oxygen.

What are the applications of Application

Niobium(V) oxide is used in metallurgy, electronics, optics, and the production of hard materials.
Applied in the solid state formation of an unusual cation deficient perovskite, Ba7Nb4MoO20.
Promising results were obtained using niobium(V) oxide as an alternate electrode to lithium metal in advanced fuel cells.
Niobium Oxide (Nb2O5) is a new electrode material with pseudocapacitive charge storage being introduced to the market for the first time as a potential anode material.

Health Hazard

Niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) increases both the refractive index of optical glasses and the capacity of multi-layered ceramic capacitors (MLCCs). In contrast to lead oxide, niobium pentoxide poses no health risks.

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable