Neodymium Oxide
Dineodymium trioxide, dineodymiumtrioxide, Neodymia, Neodymium sesquioxide
- CAS
- 1313-97-9
- EC
- 215-214-1
- Sectors
- Electronics & Solar PV, Building & Construction, Mining & Metals, Rubber & Elastomers, Automotive
Neodymium Oxide (Nd₂O₃; MW 336.48 g/mol) is a blue-to-grey rare earth oxide supplied as powder, sintered lump, or nano-grade material with a density of 7.33 g/cm³, a melting point of 2 233 °C, and negligible water solubility. Commercially available purity ranges from 2N to 5N on a Nd₂O₃/TREO basis, with TREO ≥ 99 % and loss on ignition (LOI) ≤ 1–2 %; the material absorbs CO₂ and moisture in air and requires sealed storage.
Its primary industrial function is as the oxide precursor for NdFeB permanent-magnet alloys via molten-salt electrolysis, and as a dopant in Nd:YAG and neodymium-glass laser media. In ceramics and specialty glass it imparts characteristic lavender-to-violet hues and alexandrite-type colour-shift effects, while in catalysis it acts as a promoter or starting material for neodymium-based polymerisation and exhaust-treatment systems.
Neodymium Oxide
Applications
- Electronics & Solar PV: Used as an Nd:YAG and neodymium-glass laser dopant and as an additive in multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) to modify dielectric properties.
- Mining & Metals: Primary oxide feedstock for molten-salt electrolysis to produce neodymium metal for NdFeB permanent-magnet alloys.
- Building & Construction: Incorporated into architectural and specialty glass formulations to achieve alexandrite-effect colour shift and selective light-wavelength absorption.
- Rubber & Elastomers: Starting material for the synthesis of neodymium-based Ziegler–Natta catalysts used in the production of high-cis polybutadiene rubber (Nd-BR).
- Automotive: Functions as a promoter in exhaust after-treatment catalysts, supporting oxidation activity and thermal durability under cyclic operating conditions.
- Building & Construction: Added to ceramic glazes and frits at 4–7 % loading to develop lavender and violet tones; also used in welder's didymium-filter glass for infrared and sodium-flare attenuation.
Safety & Risks
Not classified as hazardous under GHS. Handle powder with care to minimise dust generation; use safety glasses and gloves as standard precautions. Store in sealed containers away from moisture and CO₂ to prevent hydration and carbonate formation.
Packaging
25 kg fibre or iron drums; 500–1 000 kg big bags for bulk orders. High-purity electronic grades available in 1–5 kg sealed containers. Store dry and airtight.