[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, and the role of cerium oxide

Cerium oxide properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials and storage methods

Cerium oxide properties

Cerium oxide (CeO2), also known as ceria, is an inorganic compound with a variety of excellent properties. It usually appears as a light yellow or white powder with a very high melting point (about 2600°C) and boiling point (about 3500°C). Cerium oxide has stable chemical properties and can maintain its structure at high temperatures. It is a typical reduction-oxidation catalyst, capable of switching between oxidized and reduced states, which makes it extremely important in many industrial applications. Cerium oxide also has high oxygen storage capacity and redox cycle performance, is one of the important rare earth materials.

Cerium oxide uses

Cerium oxide is widely used and covers many industrial fields. In the field of catalysts, cerium oxide is often used in automobile exhaust purification catalysts to help convert harmful gases into harmless gases. It is also used in fuel cells, electrocatalysis and photocatalysis, as an important catalyst material. In terms of polishing materials, cerium oxide is widely used in the polishing of glass and semiconductors because of its excellent polishing effect and durability. In addition, cerium oxide is also used in anti-ultraviolet coatings to play a role in shielding ultraviolet rays. It also has important applications in ceramic toughening agents, phosphors and antioxidant materials.

Cerium oxide upstream and downstream raw materials

The production of cerium oxide mainly depends on rare earth minerals, the most important of which are monazite and cerite. After mining, beneficiation and purification of these minerals, the rare earth chloride or rare earth nitrate can be further processed to prepare cerium oxide. In the specific production process, rare earth minerals are first leached by acid, and then cerium is separated by solvent extraction, and then cerium oxide is obtained by roasting and oxidation reaction.

The downstream products of cerium oxide are involved in several industries. Cerium oxide used for catalysts usually needs to be further processed into catalyst carriers or composite materials; cerium oxide used for polishing needs to be mixed with other polishing agent components to make polishing liquid or polishing powder; in the field of ceramics, cerium oxide is mixed with other ceramic powders to make high-performance ceramic materials. The application of cerium oxide in fluorescent powder, glass and anti-oxidation materials also requires specific processing technology and formula.

Cerium oxide storage method

Cerium oxide needs to be protected from moisture and oxidation during storage. Because it is easy to absorb moisture, it should be placed in a dry and ventilated environment during storage to avoid contact with moisture in the air. Usually, cerium oxide powder is sealed in moisture-proof packaging bags and stored in a cool and dry warehouse. To prevent oxidative deterioration, the storage environment should be protected from high temperatures and direct sunlight. If cerium oxide is stored for a long time, it is recommended to check the package tightness and powder status regularly to ensure that its quality and performance are not affected.

Market and Economic Analysis

Cerium oxide is an important rare earth material, and its market demand is closely related to the overall situation of the rare earth industry. In recent years, with the increasingly stringent environmental regulations, the demand for automobile exhaust purification catalysts has increased significantly, which has promoted the rapid growth of the cerium oxide market. The rapid development of new energy and high-tech fields has also opened up new markets for the application of cerium oxide. Especially in the field of fuel cells and semiconductor polishing, the demand for cerium oxide is on the rise.

The ceria market also faces some challenges. The first is the supply of raw materials. The mining and extraction of rare earth minerals are greatly affected by geographical and policy factors, and the stability of the supply chain is very important for the production of cerium oxide. Increased competition in the market, especially low-priced products from China, is putting pressure on producers in other countries. Increasingly stringent environmental and safety regulations have also increased production and storage costs.

Technology Development and Innovation

With the continuous progress of science and technology, the preparation and application technology of cerium oxide is also developing. Because of its higher specific surface area and excellent catalytic performance, nano-cerium oxide is gradually becoming a hot spot in research and application. By controlling the particle size and morphology of cerium oxide, its performance in the fields of catalysis, polishing and protection can be significantly improved.

The development of composite technology has also opened up new application prospects for cerium oxide. The composite of cerium oxide and other functional materials can significantly improve its performance and scope of application. For example, cerium oxide-titanium dioxide composites perform well in the field of photocatalysis, while cerium oxide-graphene composites show great potential in the field of electrocatalysis.

Environment and Safety

The production and use of cerium oxide requires attention to environmental protection and safety management. Although cerium oxide itself is less toxic, its production process may involve toxic and harmful substances, and emissions and waste treatment must be strictly controlled. Cerium oxide powder is easily inhaled into the human body and has a certain impact on the respiratory system. Therefore, protective equipment should be worn during the operation to ensure the safety of the operator.

In terms of environmental protection, with the increase of catalysts and new energy applications, the contribution of cerium oxide to environmental protection is also increasing. For example, cerium oxide used in automobile exhaust catalysts can effectively reduce harmful gas emissions and promote air quality improvement. In the field of fuel cells and photocatalysis, the application of cerium oxide also helps to promote the development of clean energy.

Conclusion

Cerium oxide as an important rare earth material, with its unique physical and chemical properties, in the catalyst, polishing materials, anti-ultraviolet coatings and other fields show a wide range of applications. Its production depends on the extraction and processing of rare earth minerals, and the growth of market demand also provides a good opportunity for its development. Despite challenges such as supply chain and market competition, advances in technological innovation and environmental protection will further promote the development of the ceria industry. In the future, with the continuous progress of science and technology and market, the application field and market prospect of cerium oxide will be broader.