[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of ammonium bifluoride, ammonium bifluoride alias

Properties of Ammonium Bifluoride

Ammonium bifluoride (Ammonium Bifluoride,NH4HF2), also known as ammonium bifluoride or ammonium bifluoride, is an inorganic compound. Its chemical properties are more active, colorless or white crystals at room temperature, with strong hygroscopicity, easy deliquescence. Ammonium bifluoride has a large solubility in water and is an acidic solution after dissolution. It can react with silicate materials such as glass and ceramics to generate gaseous hydrogen fluoride and soluble ammonium silicate. Therefore, ammonium bifluoride is corrosive and has a strong irritating effect on the skin, eyes and respiratory tract.

Ammonium bifluoride uses

Ammonium bifluoride is widely used in many fields. In the glass industry, it is used as an etchant and polishing agent for glass, because ammonium bifluoride can react with the silicon dioxide in the glass to etch a desired pattern or texture. In terms of metal surface treatment, ammonium bifluoride is used as a cleaning agent for stainless steel and aluminum alloys, which can remove surface oxides and dirt and improve the smoothness of the material surface. In the chemical industry, it is also an important raw material for the manufacture of other fluorides, such as aluminum fluoride, sodium fluoride and so on. In the semiconductor industry, ammonium bifluoride is commonly used to clean and etch silicon wafers. In the pharmaceutical and agricultural fields, it is used as a synthetic raw material for some drugs and pesticides.

Ammonium bifluoride upstream and downstream raw materials

The production of ammonium bifluoride mainly involves two raw materials: ammonia (NH3 · H2O) and hydrogen fluoride (HF). Ammonium hydrogen fluoride is generated by the reaction of ammonia and hydrogen fluoride. The reaction can be carried out at normal temperature and pressure. The reaction equation is as follows:

[\text{NH} 3 \cdot \text{H} 2\text{O} \text{HF} \rightarrow \text{NH}_4\text{F} \cdot \text{HF}]

in this production chain, ammonium bifluoride is an intermediate or end product, while hydrogen fluoride and ammonia are upstream feedstocks. Hydrogen fluoride is mainly produced by the reaction of fluorite (CaF2) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4), while ammonia is obtained by the reaction of synthetic ammonia and water. Downstream products mainly include various fluorides, such as aluminum fluoride, sodium fluoride, etc., which are widely used in aluminum smelting, toothpaste, pesticides, pharmaceuticals and other fields.

Ammonium bifluoride storage method

Because ammonium bifluoride is corrosive and hygroscopic, its storage method requires special attention. Ammonium bifluoride should be stored in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place, avoid direct sunlight and moisture. Storage containers shall be made of corrosion resistant materials, such as plastic drums or glass bottles, and shall be well sealed to prevent moisture absorption and volatilization. The storage area should be kept away from food, drinking water and inflammable and explosive materials to avoid pollution and danger. The storage area shall be equipped with appropriate ventilation and emergency treatment equipment, such as eye washers, emergency sprinklers, etc., to prevent accidental contact and leakage. Personnel who store ammonium bifluoride should be equipped with personal protective equipment, including protective gloves, protective clothing, goggles and respirators, to ensure their safe operation.

Ammonium bifluoride safety and environmental protection issues

The use and storage of ammonium bifluoride requires special attention to its safety and environmental protection. Due to its corrosive nature and toxicity, during operation and use, safety procedures must be strictly followed to avoid contact with skin, eyes and respiratory tract. Once contact occurs, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention. Ammonium bifluoride has certain hazards to the environment, especially to water and soil. Therefore, relevant environmental protection regulations should be followed in waste disposal to avoid direct discharge. For fluorine-containing wastewater, it can be treated by precipitation, neutralization and other treatment methods to ensure that the wastewater is discharged up to the standard.

Market Prospects and Trends

Ammonium bifluoride is an important chemical product, and its market demand is driven by many industries. In the glass industry and metal surface treatment, with the development of high-end manufacturing and precision processing technology, the demand for high-quality etchants and cleaning agents will continue to increase. In the chemical industry and semiconductor industry, ammonium bifluoride as an important raw material and auxiliary agent, its demand also showed a steady growth trend. With the increasingly stringent environmental protection laws and regulations, the environmental protection requirements in the production and use of ammonium bifluoride will gradually increase, which will prompt enterprises to continuously improve production processes and environmental protection measures to improve product quality and safety.

Summary

Ammonium bifluoride is a widely used chemical product, which has important applications in glass industry, metal surface treatment, chemical industry and semiconductor industry. Its production relies on upstream feedstocks such as ammonia and hydrogen fluoride, while downstream products cover a variety of fluorides. Due to its corrosive and hygroscopic nature, the storage and use of ammonium bifluoride requires special attention to safety and environmental protection issues. Looking forward to the future, with the technological progress and the growth of market demand, the application prospect of ammonium bifluoride will be broader, and higher standards will be put forward for the environmental protection requirements in the process of its production and use.