[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, properties and hazards of bromine

Bromine properties

Bromine (Br) is a chemical element with an atomic number of 35, which is located in the 17th group of the periodic table and belongs to the halogen element. Bromine appears as a dark red brown liquid at room temperature and is the only non-metallic element that is liquid at room temperature. Its vapor is irritating, reddish-brown, with a strong stench. The molecular structure of bromine is a diatomic molecule (Br2) with higher density and lower volatility. It has low solubility in water, but is miscible with organic solvents such as chloroform, carbon disulfide and carbon tetrachloride. The chemical nature of bromine is relatively active and can react with a variety of elements and compounds to form a variety of bromides, such as hydrobromic acid (HBr) and bromate (BrO3-).

Bromine use

Bromine is widely used in many fields because of its unique physical and chemical properties. In the chemical industry, bromine is a key raw material for the production of flame retardants, especially in plastics, textiles and electronic products. Bromides such as methyl bromide (CH3Br) are used in agricultural pesticides and fumigants, while sodium bromide (NaBr) and potassium bromide (KBr) are used in the pharmaceutical industry as sedatives and antiepileptic drugs. Bromine is also used for disinfectants and oxidants in water treatment processes. In recent years, with the improvement of environmental protection requirements, the application of bromine in the field of new energy has gradually increased, such as the application in flow batteries.

Bromine upstream and downstream raw materials

The main upstream raw materials of bromine are seawater and underground brine, and these resources contain a large amount of bromine ion (Br-). Bromide ions can be converted to bromine through oxidation and extraction processes. Specifically, the industry often uses chlorine gas (Cl2) to oxidize bromide ions to bromine, which is then separated by air stripping and condensation. The main downstream products of bromine include various bromides and organic bromine compounds, which are widely used in chemical, pharmaceutical, agricultural and electronic industries.

Bromine production process

The production process of bromine mainly includes three steps: oxidation, stripping and condensation. Bromide ions in the brine are oxidized to bromine by the addition of chlorine gas. The reaction equation is:[2Br ^- Cl2 → Br2 2Cl ^-]. Then, the generated bromine was blown out with air through a blowing tower. The bromine was condensed into a liquid by a condenser and collected. In order to improve production efficiency and product purity, multi-stage stripping and condensation techniques are often used in modern processes, together with the use of adsorbents to remove impurities.

Bromine storage method

Because bromine is highly corrosive and volatile, its storage and transportation require special protective measures. Bromine is usually stored in corrosion-resistant nickel or coated steel containers that are well sealed to prevent leakage. The storage environment should be kept low temperature, well ventilated, and away from fire and flammable materials. The place where bromine is stored should be equipped with emergency spraying and eyewash facilities to deal with it quickly in case of leakage or contact with personnel. In the process of transportation, it is necessary to comply with the regulations on the transportation of dangerous goods and use special tankers or containers to ensure safety.

Bromine Market Status and Prospects

The global bromine market is mainly concentrated in the United States, Israel and China, which are rich in bromine resources and mature production technology. In recent years, with the improvement of environmental protection and safety requirements, the demand for bromine and its downstream products has steadily increased, especially in the field of flame retardants and new energy. Despite certain market fluctuations, the prospects for the bromine industry are still broad. In the future, with the development of technological progress and new applications, the bromine market is expected to continue to expand, especially in the field of high value-added products and green chemicals.

Environmental and safety issues

There are some environmental and safety problems in the production and use of bromine. Bromine and its compounds are toxic and may cause harm to the ecological environment and human health. Therefore, in the process of production and application, it is necessary to strictly control the discharge of waste water, waste gas and solid waste, and adopt advanced environmental protection technology and equipment. Operators are required to wear protective equipment and receive regular training to ensure safe operation and emergency response capabilities.

Technology Innovation and Development Trend

Technological innovation in the bromine industry is mainly focused on improving production efficiency, reducing energy consumption and developing new products. In recent years, through the introduction of advanced separation and purification technology, the energy consumption and cost of bromine production have been significantly reduced. Green chemical industry and sustainable development have become important directions for the development of the industry, such as the development of halogen-free flame retardants and environmentally friendly bromides. With the development of new energy technologies, the application potential of bromine in energy storage batteries and other fields is constantly being tapped. In the future, technological innovation will continue to promote the development of bromine industry in the direction of high efficiency, environmental protection and diversification.

Conclusion

As an important chemical raw material, bromine has broad application prospects and market potential. By optimizing the production process, strengthening environmental protection measures and promoting technological innovation, the bromine industry will continue to grow and develop. Driven by global resource integration and technological progress, bromine will play a more important role in modern chemical and emerging industries and make greater contributions to economic and social development.