Jul 11 2013
Nanoparticles offer smarter, cleaner, lighter and stronger surfaces and systems. The potential for nanoparticles in therapeutic and industrial areas is infinite, with novel applications constantly being explored.
Ytterbium is a soft, malleable and ductile element that is readily attacked by strong mineral acids. It slowly reacts with cold water and oxidizes in air. The electrical resistance of ytterbium is increased when it is subjected to high stresses.
Ytterbium nanoparticles have interesting magnetic and optical properties, with applications in imaging and biomedical science.
Chemical Properties
The chemical properties of ytterbium nanoparticles are outlined in the following table.
| Chemical Data |
| Chemical symbol |
Yb |
| CAS No. |
7440-64-4 |
| Electronic configuration |
[Xe] 4f14 6s2 |
Physical Properties
The physical properties of ytterbium nanoparticles are given in the following table.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Density |
6.57 g/cm3 |
0.237 lb/in3 |
| Molar mass |
173.04 g/mol |
- |
Thermal Properties
The thermal properties of ytterbium nanoparticles are provided in the table below.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Melting point |
824°C |
1520°F |
| Boiling point |
1196°C |
2185°F |
Manufacturing Process
Ytterbium nanoparticles are synthesized by gas deposition method where metallic ytterbium is evaporated by heating in a gas atmosphere. The nanoparticles are formed by solidification and aggregation during collisions with the gas molecules.
Applications
The key applications of ytterbium nanoparticles are listed below:
- High-power fiber lasers and amplifiers
- Dopant for glass, laser optics and optical fibers
- Coatings, plastics, nanowireS and catalyst applications.
Source: AZoNano