What Are Rare Earths? Material Logic of 17 Elements, an Application Map, and a Quick Guide to Aladdin Reagent Selection (Oxides/Salts/Metals/Standard Solutions/Dispersions)
What Are Rare Earths? Material Logic of 17 Elements, an Application Map, and a Quick Guide to Aladdin Reagent Selection (Oxides/Salts/Metals/Standard Solutions/Dispersions)
What Are Rare Earths, Really? They Are Not “Earth”—They Are a Set of 17 Elements
“Rare Earth Elements (REEs)” commonly refers to the 15 lanthanides (La–Lu) plus yttrium (Y) and scandium (Sc)—17 elements in total. “Rare” does not mean “all of them have extremely low crustal abundance.” As a group, REEs are not exceptionally scarce; rather, they tend to occur in a dispersed manner, are tightly co-occurring in minerals, and have similar chemical behavior, making them difficult and costly to concentrate, separate, and purify. Therefore, a key bottleneck in the industrial chain lies in separation and purification.
It is also important to note the within-group differences: some heavy rare earths do sit at the low-abundance end; and Pm, although a lanthanide by definition, has virtually no natural abundance in the Earth’s crust.
List of Rare Earth Elements (17)
Category | Elements | Symbols |
Light/Medium Lanthanides | Lanthanum, Cerium, Praseodymium, Neodymium, Promethium, Samarium, Europium | La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu |
Heavy Lanthanides | Gadolinium, Terbium, Dysprosium, Holmium, Erbium, Thulium, Ytterbium, Lutetium | Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu |
Lanthanide-like | Yttrium, Scandium | Y, Sc |
Notes:
1. Y and Sc are often grouped as rare earths because their mineral occurrence and chemical behavior are similar to lanthanides (especially Y³⁺), and they are frequently discussed within the same separation and refining value chain.
2. The light/medium/heavy grouping is one commonly used engineering convention; the exact grouping may vary by industry or statistical definitions.
Why “A Little Rare Earth” Can Change Materials a Lot: Three Fundamental Logics
The “Three Fundamental Logics” by Which REEs Tune Material Properties
Fundamental Logic | How It Manifests in Materials | The Most Common “Knobs” to Tune | Typical Application Scenarios |
Tunable 4f/5d energy levels and valence states (magnetism/optics) | Luminescent centers, magnetic moments and anisotropy, electronic transitions; 4f–4f transitions are often narrow-line, while 5d–4f transitions are often broadband and more sensitive to the crystal field | Ion species and valence (e.g., Eu³⁺/Tb³⁺/Ce³⁺/Eu²⁺), coordination environment/crystal-field strength, concentration quenching, reducing/oxidizing atmosphere | Phosphors (e.g., YAG:Ce), laser crystals, scintillators, permanent magnets/magneto-optical materials |
“Lanthanide contraction”: ionic radii decrease gradually | Systematic changes in lattice parameters/solid solubility/phase-stability windows | Selecting different ions from La → Lu, site occupancy (A/B sites), co-doping | Structural stabilization, dielectric/ferroelectric tuning, crystal engineering |
Ln³⁺ as hard acids: more stable with hard bases (O²⁻/F⁻) in crystal lattices | Oxygen vacancies/valence compensation/grain-boundary barrier modifications → affects ionic conductivity, loss, and interfacial behavior (solid-state defect chemistry dominated) | Dopant valence (3+ vs 4+), oxygen partial pressure/atmosphere, sintering schedule, anion environment (O²⁻/F⁻) | Oxygen-ion conductors, sensing ceramics, electrochemical devices, fluoride optical materials |
Rare Earth Application Map
How to Read This Map: Five Core Roles of REEs in Materials and Devices
Role 1 — Emission/Energy-Level Center: RE ions provide characteristic emission (the “bulb filament” of optical functions).
Role 2 — Defect Controller: Introducing/tuning oxygen vacancies and carriers via charge compensation (core for electrochemistry/sensing).
Role 3 — Phase Stabilizer: Stabilizing certain structural phases or widening stability windows (e.g., bringing high-temperature phases down to lower temperatures).
Role 4 — Microstructure Engineer: Refining grains / modifying eutectics / forming stable intermetallics or precipitates (strength, creep, corrosion resistance).
Role 5 — Medical Isotope Platform: Acting as radionuclides/carrier-related materials in nuclear medicine.
Application Scenarios
Scenario | Common RE Elements / Chemical Forms (Selection Entry) | Main RE Role | Key Metrics (Examples) | Common Characterization/Verification | Key Process Window / Common Failure Modes (Pitfalls to Avoid) |
High-temperature superconducting ceramics (REBCO/YBCO) | Y, Gd, Sm, Nd, etc.; targets/precursors: RE₂O₃, REBa₂Cu₃O₇₋x-related powders, thin-film sputtering targets | Site substitution; defects/flux pinning | Tc, Jc, trapped field, mechanical reliability | XRD, cryogenic transport, magnetic measurement (M–H), defect/texture imaging (SEM/TEM/EBSD) | Oxygen content + heat-treatment window determine Jc; weak links at grain boundaries, microcracks, insufficient texture → large performance scatter; bulk trapped-field strongly depends on temperature and reinforcement design |
Oxygen-ion conductors (YSZ, etc.) | Y₂O₃-doped ZrO₂ (powders: Y₂O₃, ZrO₂); Sc₂O₃-doped systems also used | Defect control (oxygen vacancies) + phase stabilization | σ_ion, grain-boundary impedance, chemical/thermal stability | EIS (bulk vs GB), XRD, SEM/EDS, density | Si/Al/Ca impurities can form insulating GB phases → higher GB resistance; porosity/secondary phases → lower effective conductivity; sintering T/atmosphere critical. (YSZ = composition defines use): SOFC electrolytes often use 8 mol% Y₂O₃ (8YSZ); Y³⁺ substituting Zr⁴⁺ introduces oxygen vacancies via charge compensation—key to high ionic conductivity. |
YSZ structural ceramics (toughened zirconia) | Y₂O₃-stabilized ZrO₂ (powder grade) | Phase stabilization + transformation toughening | K_IC, strength, aging resistance | XRD (phase), mechanical tests, microstructure | Y-content window controls tetragonal stability; hydrothermal aging/phase transformation degrades properties; porosity & grain size are critical. (YSZ = composition defines use): Structural toughening typically uses a partially stabilized / metastable tetragonal window (not “more stabilized is better”); engineering practice often uses ~3 mol% Y₂O₃ (3Y-TZP) relying on stress-induced transformation for toughening. |
YSZ thermal barrier coatings (TBC) | YSZ powders/spray powders; extendable to RE zirconates (e.g., La/Gd) | Low thermal conductivity + high-T phase stability | Thermal conductivity, thermal-cycle life, sintering resistance | Thermal cycling/thermal shock, phase analysis, porosity/crack network | Porosity architecture governs insulation and life; high-T sintering closes pores → higher k; CMAS attack/interface spallation are major failure drivers. (YSZ = composition defines use): In TBC engineering, 7 wt% or 7–8 wt% Y₂O₃ (7YSZ/7–8YSZ) is commonly used as the composition label for mainstream coating systems. |
Piezoelectric/ferroelectric/electro-optic (PZT → PLZT) | La₂O₃ or La(NO₃)₃·xH₂O commonly used; Nd/Sm dopants also seen | Site occupancy + defect control + microstructure control (transparency/electro-optic) | d33, loss, transparency/electro-optic coefficient, stability | Dielectric spectra, P–E loops, transmittance, porosity quantification (microscopy/image analysis) | Porosity/secondary phases = immediate failure for transparent electro-optic behavior; volatile components, sintering atmosphere, heating profile are sensitive; over-doping → segregation/secondary phases. Transparent PLZT performance often depends not only on doping but even more on ultra-low porosity/scatterer suppression, requiring strong densification routes (e.g., hot pressing, HIP, or very tight sintering windows) to reduce residual pores below optically visible levels. |
Microwave dielectric ceramics | Composite oxides involving La/Nd/Sm, etc.; precursors often RE₂O₃ or nitrates | Phase stability + lattice tuning | εr, Q×f, τf | Microwave resonance method, XRD (phase/refinement), grain/secondary phases (SEM/EDS) | Secondary phases, abnormal grain growth, glassy phases → strong Q degradation; formulation and sintering window (density/grain size) are strongly coupled |
Gas-sensing ceramics (SnO₂/ZnO/LaFeO₃, etc.) | La/Nd/Sm, etc.; precursors: RE(NO₃)₃·xH₂O, RECl₃·xH₂O, RE₂O₃ | Morphology/defects/surface chemistry tuning | Sensitivity, selectivity, response/recovery, drift | Electrical response curves, surface analysis (XPS), morphology (SEM/TEM) | Humidity cross-sensitivity and long-term drift are common; over-sintering reduces surface area; noble metals/impurities may become the “true active centers,” causing irreproducibility |
Varistor ceramics (ZnO varistors) | La/Pr micro-doping (depends on formulation); precursors: RE₂O₃/nitrates | Grain-boundary barrier control | Nonlinearity coefficient α, breakdown/leakage, stability | I–V curves, GB phases/segregation (SEM/EDS) | Narrow doping window: excess dopant → lower α and degradation; sintering atmosphere and GB phase chemistry determine varistor behavior. REEs often act as trace co-dopants for GB barrier tuning; the base system is commonly co-designed with Bi₂O₃, Sb₂O₃, and acceptor/GB additives such as Co/Mn (varies significantly by process route). |
Thermistor ceramics (PTC/NTC; BaTiO₃ systems) | La/Ce/Sm/Dy/Y micro-doping (system-dependent); precursors: RE₂O₃/nitrates | Carrier/defect and GB control | R–T curves, B value / resistance change near Curie point, aging | Resistance–temperature characteristics, microstructure, phase analysis | Over-doping may cause insulation or drift; GB glass phases/porosity lead to aging and batch variability |
Permanent magnets (NdFeB/SmCo) | Nd/Pr metal or master alloy; Dy/Tb for coercivity; Sm metal for SmCo; RE hydrides/alloy powders also used | Large magnetic moment/anisotropy; heavy RE boosts coercivity (GB engineering) | Br, Hcj, (BH)max, temperature coefficient, corrosion resistance | Hysteresis loops (VSM), microstructure/GB phases (SEM/EPMA) | Dy/Tb raise Hcj but may reduce Br and increase cost; GB phases and oxygen control are decisive; corrosion is strongly linked to coating/impurities |
Luminescent materials/phosphors (LED/displays) | Y₂O₃, CeO₂, Eu₂O₃, Tb₄O₇, etc.; nitrate solution routes also common | RE ions as emission centers (4f/5d levels) | Emission peak, quantum efficiency, thermal quenching, lifetime, chromaticity | PL/PLE, integrating-sphere QE, lifetime, XRD | Transition-metal impurities quench; concentration quenching; valence sensitivity (Ce³⁺/Ce⁴⁺) depends on atmosphere; particle size/coatings affect scattering and stability |
Laser crystals / upconversion materials | Er/Yb/Tm/Ho, etc.; precursors: high-purity RE₂O₃ or salts | Energy-level transitions; upconversion/stimulated emission | Emission cross section, lifetime, threshold, thermal management | Spectra & lifetimes, impurity spectra, phase/defect characterization | Impurities and OH⁻ defects cause loss; concentration/co-doping ratio windows; crystal defects/stress cause scattering and cracking |
CeO₂ catalysis / oxygen storage (automotive exhaust, redox) | CeO₂ (powders/nano), often with ZrO₂; precursors: cerium nitrate/ceria | Reversible valence + oxygen vacancies (OSC) | OSC, conversion, durability/sintering resistance | XPS (Ce³⁺/Ce⁴⁺), TPR/TPD, BET, activity tests | Sintering reduces surface area; impurities/chloride residues harm activity and reproducibility; operating oxygen partial pressure controls valence/vacancies |
Solid electrolytes / energy materials (La-containing systems) | Typical La-containing oxide electrolyte families (precursors: La₂O₃/lanthanum nitrate, etc.) | Framework / ion-transport related tuning | Ionic conductivity, interfacial impedance, cycling stability | EIS, phase analysis, interface characterization | Secondary phases and GB impedance are major enemies; moisture/carbonation in air affects powders and interfaces; sintering schedule governs densification and GB chemistry |
Al–Sc alloys | Sc metal/master alloy; Sc₂O₃ in certain metallurgical routes | Precipitation strengthening (Al₃Sc) + recrystallization suppression | Strength, thermal stability, weldability/recrystallization behavior | TEM (precipitates), mechanical tests, microstructure after thermal exposure | Key is precipitate size/distribution and coarsening under exposure; Sc cost is high → manage dosage window + recovery/yield in process |
Al–Ce alloys | Ce metal/master alloy; or CeO₂ in certain routes | Stable intermetallic/eutectic microstructures, heat resistance | High-T strength, creep, microstructural scale | XRD, quantitative microstructure, creep/high-T tensile | Coarse eutectic/second phases limit toughness and room-temperature properties; refinement and thermal-exposure stability are key |
Mg–RE alloys | Y/Nd/Gd metals or master alloys; salts usually not used | Strengthening phases + texture/creep control | Creep resistance, heat resistance, oxidation resistance | High-T mechanical tests, microstructure/phase analysis | Phase coarsening and oxidation dominate degradation; melt cleaning and inclusion control affect lifetime |
Cu–RE alloys (casting purification/grain refinement) | Ce/La trace additions; metals or master alloys | Purification, grain refinement, microstructure improvement | Strength/ductility, wear, casting defects | Microstructure & inclusion analysis, mechanical tests | “Multiple-fold improvement” depends strongly on recipe and conditions; over-addition or poor inclusion control may backfire |
Agriculture (highly debated) | Mostly La/Ce salts (strict regulation and assessment required) | Possible low-dose stimulation (biphasic response) | Yield/quality, accumulation & ecological risks | Field controls + long-term monitoring + food-chain exposure assessment | Strongly dependent on dosage, soil properties, and speciation; conclusions cannot be generalized; risk assessment must be embedded in boundary conditions. The so-called “low-dose stimulation / high-dose inhibition (hormesis)” is mainly a phenomenological description; evidence depends heavily on soil type, RE form, dose, and study design, and cannot be extrapolated across regions. |
Medical Path A: nuclear-medicine radionuclides (more reliable) | Radiopharmaceuticals based on radioactive isotopes (within regulatory systems) | Diagnosis/therapy (dosimetry & targeting are central) | Imaging quality, therapeutic dosimetry, safety | Clinical evidence, dosimetry evaluation, regulatory compliance | Governed by drug/device regulations; do not replace clinical evidence with a “REE salts = anti-cancer” narrative. Clinical use is mostly regulated radionuclide formulations (e.g., Lu-177 radiopharmaceutical systems); evaluation focuses on dosimetry/targeting/safety and standardized workflows rather than “magic of the element.” |
Medical Path B: non-radioactive RE complexes / imaging materials (research + established uses coexist) | Gd-complex–related contrast materials, RE nanoprobes, etc. | Imaging contrast/material platform | Stability, chelation strength, biocompatibility | Chemical stability/release evaluation, in vitro/in vivo validation | Risks are strongly tied to regulation; ligand stability and release risk must be clearly defined to avoid generalized claims. In clinical/translational contexts, emphasis is on high-stability chelation/complex systems, release-risk control, and regulatory safety evaluation pathways. |
Research & Lab Selection Guide
Process Route → Recommended RE Reagent Forms
Target/Process | Recommended Form | Why It Fits Better | Common Pitfalls |
Solid-state synthesis / ceramic sintering (bulk) | RE₂O₃ / CeO₂ / Y₂O₃ | Thermally stable; straightforward weighing; easy stoichiometry control | Some RE₂O₃ absorb moisture/CO₂ → stoichiometry drift and secondary phases |
Sol-gel / co-precipitation / impregnation | RE(NO₃)₃·xH₂O | High solubility; homogeneous mixing; mature thermal decomposition route | Hydration number x can vary; nitrate decomposition gases affect porosity |
Coordination chemistry / organic-phase nanochemistry | RECl₃·xH₂O / RE(acetate)₃ | Commonly used for coordination reactions; good controllability | Cl⁻ residues may affect electrical properties/corrosion; hydrolysis/gelation under basic conditions |
Fluoride materials / molten salts / optical fluorides | REF₃ (preferably anhydrous/low-water) | Avoid OH⁻ defects; compatible with fluoride systems | Water/OH⁻ introduces optical loss and phase deviation |
Alloy melting / master-alloy addition | RE metals / master alloys (e.g., Al–Sc) | Direct entry into molten-metal routes | Oxide inclusions, burn-off loss, recovery/yield, coarsening of second phases |
Purity and Impurity Profiles
Three Common Purity Conventions
1. trace metals basis: emphasizes strict control of trace metallic impurities (most critical for optical/electrical/magnetic work)
2. REO/TREO basis: reported as rare-earth oxide content (common in the RE industry, ores/intermediates)
3. metals basis: reported as metal content (common in coordination chemistry, solution precursors, metal salts)
Application Scenario → Most Sensitive Impurities
Scenario | Most Sensitive Impurity Types | Why Sensitive |
Luminescence / lasers / transparent ceramics | Fe, Cu, Ni, Co, Cr (transition metals) | Create absorption/quenching centers → directly reduce emission efficiency and transmittance |
Dielectric / ferroelectric / microwave dielectrics | Si, Al, Ca, Na, K, Fe | Form grain-boundary phases / change defect states → higher loss, drift, lower Q |
Ion conductors / electrochemistry (YSZ, etc.) | Si, Al, Ca, Fe, Cl⁻/SO₄²⁻ residues | Raise GB resistance or introduce electronic conduction → poorer conductivity/stability |
Catalysis / redox materials | Trace transition metals (any source) | May “seem to enhance activity” but kills reproducibility (impurities become true active centers) |
Alloys / melting | O, N, H, S, P (gases/impurities) | Oxide inclusions, porosity, embrittlement, coarsening → lower strength/lifetime |
Note: Purity conventions and test lists may differ by supplier and batch. Use the COA (Certificate of Analysis) impurity list and detection limits as the reference; metals basis often does not cover non-metal residues (e.g., C/S/Cl), which should be checked separately.
Risk & Compliance Checklist
Risk Source | Main Risk | Control Measures |
RE powders/dust | Inhalation risk (occupational health literature suggests attention is warranted) | Local exhaust/ventilation hood, wet handling, appropriate respiratory protection, avoid airborne dry powders |
Nitrates/strong acids | Oxidizing/corrosive hazards; thermal decomposition gases | Small-batch handling, corrosion-resistant containers, off-gas management and treatment during calcination |
Ores/tailings/suspicious samples | Associated Th/U risk; TENORM management | Source traceability; handle/dispose per institutional radiation/regulated-waste rules |
Waste liquids with heavy metals | Environmental discharge risk | Segregated collection, clear labeling, compliant disposal |
Aladdin Representative Rare-Earth Product Classification Table
(Oxides/Salts/Metals/Standard Solutions/Nano Dispersions)
Quick Selection Checklist (Condensed)
Category | Preferred Scenarios | Key Selection Points (How to Choose) | Typical Notes / Common Pitfalls |
RE oxides (PrimorTrace™/analytical grade/basic grade) | Solid-state reactions, ceramic sintering, glass/refractory formulations, catalysis/oxygen storage, optical host powders | Ultra-sensitive to impurities (luminescence/electrical/transparent ceramics) → PrimorTrace™; process screening/general prep → analytical/basic grades | Moisture/CO₂ uptake → weighing drift; pre-dry if needed; seal storage |
RE nitrates (hydrates; PrimorTrace™/high purity) | Sol-gel, co-precipitation, impregnation, solution doping, thermal decomposition to oxide precursors | Excellent water solubility and mixing; impurity-sensitive systems → PrimorTrace™; general use → high purity/AR | Often hydrates → crystal water affects stoichiometry; decomposition gas can alter pore structure/morphology |
RE chlorides (anhydrous/hydrated; PrimorTrace™/high purity) | Solution precursors, halide routes, some coordination/organometallic routes (prefer anhydrous) | Water-sensitive coordination/organometallic → anhydrous; common solution routes → hydrated; impurity-sensitive → PrimorTrace™ | Hydrates are strongly hygroscopic; Cl⁻ may cause corrosion/side reactions/residues → control via washing/heat treatment |
RE metals (powder/ingot/chips/lumps; incl. REO-basis labeling) | Alloying additions, magnetic materials, sputtering/target feedstock, metal-state reduction/intermetallic studies | Powder → faster reaction/more uniform mixing; ingot/lump/chips → stable feeding for melting; oil-sealed ingots reduce oxidation | Easily oxidized (especially powders) → inert/sealed handling; “metals basis (REO)” is a reporting convention—do not misread as total impurity |
RE standard solutions (elemental analysis/calibration) | ICP-OES/ICP-MS/AAS calibration, QC, spike recovery, method validation | Match acid matrix to sample digestion (e.g., 1.0 mol/L HNO₃, 10% HCl, 10% HNO₃) | Matrix mismatch causes matrix effects; if acid matrix not specified, confirm matrix matching first |
RE nano dispersions (<100 nm; dispersions) | Coatings/films, composite fillers, catalyst supports, uniform introduction without separate dispersion steps | Check: particle size (<100 nm; BET), solids content (e.g., 5 wt%), dispersion medium (water/solvent) | Stability depends on pH/ionic strength/solvent exchange; shake/disperse thoroughly before use; consistency matters |
Aladdin Representative Rare-Earth Product Classification Table
For more specifications, please refer to the full product list at the end, or search on the Aladdin website by product name/CAS.
Category | CAS No. | Aladdin Cat. No. | Name | Specification/Purity | Product Features or Applications |
RE oxides (PrimorTrace™ ultra-high purity) | 12060-08-1 | S110936 | Scandium(III) oxide | PrimorTrace™, ≥99.999% metals basis | Ultra-low impurity background; suitable for advanced optical/electronic materials, precise doping, and impurity-sensitive research systems |
RE oxides (PrimorTrace™ ultra-high purity) | 12037-01-3 | T105880 | Terbium oxide | PrimorTrace™, ≥99.999% metals basis | High-purity Tb source for phosphor/magneto-optical doping, precise composition control, and high-requirement analysis/material research |
RE oxides (PrimorTrace™ high purity) | 12064-62-9 | G105875 | Gadolinium oxide | PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis | High-purity Gd₂O₃ for magnetic/neutron-absorption-related materials, optics, and precision doping |
RE oxides (PrimorTrace™ high purity) | 1313-97-9 | N105307 | Neodymium oxide | PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis | High-purity Nd₂O₃ for lasers/optical glass, magnetic-materials research, and precise doping |
RE oxides (PrimorTrace™ high purity) | 12055-62-8 | H105899 | Holmium oxide | PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis | Suitable for magnetic/spectroscopic materials research, precise doping, and impurity-sensitive systems |
RE oxides (PrimorTrace™ high purity) | 1308-96-9 | E106508 | Europium oxide | PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis | Typical Eu source for luminescence; high purity improves reproducibility and lowers background for spectroscopy/PL research |
RE oxides (PrimorTrace™ high purity) | 1308-87-8 | D105275 | Dysprosium oxide | PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis | High-purity Dy₂O₃ for magnetic materials, optics, and precision doping research |
RE oxides (PrimorTrace™ high purity) | 12032-20-1 | L105574 | Lutetium oxide | PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis | Suitable for high-end optics, scintillators, ceramics, and precision doping |
RE oxides (PrimorTrace™ high purity) | 12037-29-5 | P128241 | Praseodymium oxide | PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis | For functional ceramics, catalysis, and doping systems; suitable where impurity interference must be minimized |
RE oxides (PrimorTrace™ high purity) | 1314-37-0 | Y118477 | Ytterbium oxide | PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis | High-purity Yb₂O₃ for NIR/luminescence and optical-materials doping with precise composition control |
RE oxides (high-purity REO) | 12036-44-1 | T105902 | Thulium oxide | ≥99.99% (REO) | High-purity Tm₂O₃ for optical/luminescent/ceramic doping; REO basis supports comparison across RE oxide systems |
RE oxides (analytical use/pellets) | 1306-38-3 | C124415 | Cerium oxide | For elemental analysis, 1.5–2.5 mm | Granular form facilitates weighing/charging and elemental-analysis use; CeO₂ is also used for polishing, catalysis, and oxygen-storage studies |
RE oxides (analytical grade) | 1314-36-9 | Y431838 | Yttrium oxide 99+ | Analytical grade, ≥99% | Basic oxide for ceramics/refractories and optical/phosphor host/doping; suitable for routine analysis and formulations |
RE oxides (basic preparative grade) | 1312-81-8 | L431805 | Lanthanum(III) oxide | Basic grade, for preparation | Common base oxide for glass/ceramic modification, catalysis/oxygen-storage systems, and functional fillers; suitable for process screening and preparation |
RE nitrates (hydrates; PrimorTrace™ ultra-high purity) | 100641-16-5 | L431221 | Lutetium(III) nitrate hydrate | PrimorTrace™, ≥99.999% metals basis | High-purity Lu nitrate for solution routes and precision doping; nitrates often decompose to oxides upon calcination |
RE nitrates (hydrates; PrimorTrace™ ultra-high purity) | 35725-34-9 | Y432655 | Ytterbium(III) nitrate pentahydrate | PrimorTrace™, ≥99.999% metals basis | High-purity Yb nitrate for solution doping/precursors; note hydration water impacts stoichiometry and drying |
RE nitrates (hydrates; PrimorTrace™ high purity) | 94219-55-3 | G189235 | Hydrated gadolinium nitrate | PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis | High-purity Gd nitrate for solution precursors and nitrate-to-oxide decomposition routes; suitable for precision doping |
RE nitrates (hydrates; PrimorTrace™ high purity) | 13494-98-9 | Y118878 | Yttrium nitrate hexahydrate | PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis | Highly water-soluble; suitable for sol-gel/co-precipitation/impregnation; high purity helps lower defects in transparent-ceramic/optical systems |
RE nitrates (hydrates; PrimorTrace™ high purity) | 13759-83-6 | S109297 | Samarium(III) nitrate hexahydrate | PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis | High-purity Sm nitrate for solution precursors/doping; mature nitrate decomposition route supports uniform oxide formation |
RE nitrates (hydrates; PrimorTrace™ high purity) | 10031-53-5 | E196207 | Europium(III) nitrate hexahydrate | PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis | Suitable for solution doping of phosphors; hydration must be accounted for in stoichiometry |
RE nitrates (hydrates; PrimorTrace™ high purity) | 15878-77-0 | P106056 | Praseodymium(III) nitrate hexahydrate | PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis | High-purity Pr nitrate for solution precursors/doping; nitrates enable uniform precursors and easy conversion to oxides |
RE nitrates (hydrates; PrimorTrace™ high purity) | 107552-14-7 | S188988 | Scandium(III) nitrate hydrate | PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis (REO) | High-purity Sc nitrate for solution precursors and decomposition-to-oxide routes; better for impurity-sensitive systems |
RE nitrates (hydrates; PrimorTrace™) | 36548-87-5 | T189124 | Thulium(III) nitrate pentahydrate | PrimorTrace™, ≥99.9% metals basis | High-purity Tm nitrate for optical/luminescent doping in solution routes; store dry and account for hydrate mass |
RE nitrates (hydrates; high purity) | 10294-41-4 | C431281 | Cerium(III) nitrate hexahydrate | Ultra-pure grade | Highly water-soluble for impregnation/co-precipitation/sol-gel precursors; also used in Ce(III) coordination and catalytic precursor chemistry |
RE nitrates (hydrates; high purity) | 57584-27-7 | T124613 | Terbium(III) nitrate pentahydrate | ≥99.9% metals basis | Water-soluble for Tb-doped precursors (phosphor/magneto-optical); easy conversion to oxides via nitrate decomposition |
RE nitrates (hydrates; high purity) | 100587-94-8 | L475064 | Lanthanum(III) nitrate hydrate | ≥99.9% metals basis | Common for sol-gel/impregnation/co-precipitation; hydration degree may vary → watch stoichiometry drift |
RE nitrates (hydrates; AR) | 16454-60-7 | N106057 | Neodymium nitrate hexahydrate | AR, ≥99% | Routine high-purity soluble salt for solution routes/doping; account for crystal water in stoichiometry |
RE chlorides (hydrates; PrimorTrace™ ultra-high purity) | 10025-94-2 | Y119237 | Yttrium(III) chloride hexahydrate | PrimorTrace™, ≥99.999% metals basis | High-purity soluble Y source for solution processing (impregnation/co-precipitation/sol-gel) and high-end doping systems |
RE chlorides (hydrates; PrimorTrace™ ultra-high purity) | 20662-14-0 | S475229 | Scandium(III) chloride hexahydrate | PrimorTrace™, ≥99.999% metals basis | High-purity water-soluble Sc source for impurity-critical solution routes and advanced precursor systems |
RE chlorides (hydrates; PrimorTrace™ ultra-high purity) | 13798-24-8 | T100635 | Terbium chloride hexahydrate | PrimorTrace™, ≥99.999% metals basis | High-purity Tb salt for solution doping (phosphor/magneto-optical) and fine chemical research; hydrate mass must be handled carefully |
RE chlorides (hydrates; PrimorTrace™ high purity) | 13759-92-7 | E119161 | Europium(III) chloride hexahydrate | PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis | High-purity Eu salt for solution doping/co-precipitation; account for hydrate stoichiometry and drying |
RE chlorides (hydrates; PrimorTrace™ high purity) | 15230-79-2 | L119054 | Lutetium(III) chloride hexahydrate | PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis | High-purity Lu salt for solution routes and precision doping; minimizes impurity-driven secondary phases |
RE chlorides (hydrates; PrimorTrace™ high purity) | 20211-76-1 | L189069 | Lanthanum chloride hydrate | PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis | High-purity La salt for impregnation/co-precipitation/sol-gel; hydrate water must be considered |
RE chlorides (hydrates; PrimorTrace™ high purity) | 10035-01-5 | Y196893 | Ytterbium(III) chloride hexahydrate | PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis | High-purity Yb salt for solution precursors/doping; helps avoid impurity-driven quenching/secondary phases |
RE chlorides (hydrates; high purity) | 13450-84-5 | G119153 | Gadolinium(III) chloride hexahydrate | ≥99.9% metals basis | Water-soluble for solution precursors (impregnation/co-precipitation/sol-gel); correct stoichiometry for hexahydrate |
RE chlorides (hydrates; high purity) | 13477-89-9 | N123721 | Neodymium(III) chloride hexahydrate | ≥99.9% metals basis | Used for solution doping/precursors; strongly hygroscopic—handle and store dry |
RE chlorides (hydrates; high purity) | 14914-84-2 | H119101 | Holmium(III) chloride hexahydrate | ≥99.9% metals basis | Ho source for solution processing and doping; high solubility supports homogeneous introduction |
RE chlorides (hydrates; high purity) | 19423-77-9 | P168270 | Praseodymium(III) chloride hydrate | ≥99.9% metals basis | Soluble precursor for doping; hydrate water is not fixed—use dried/composition-verified basis when dosing |
RE chlorides (hydrates; high purity) | 10025-75-9 | E119092 | Erbium(III) chloride hexahydrate | ≥99.995% metals basis | High-purity Er salt for optical/doping and solution precursors; keep dry and correct for hydrate |
RE chlorides (hydrates; analytical grade) | 18618-55-8 | C432245 | Cerium(III) chloride heptahydrate | purum p.a., ≥98% (AT) | Water-soluble for solution precursors, catalysis/doping; hydrate water affects dosing and drying |
RE chlorides (anhydrous; high purity) | 10361-82-7 | S119219 | Samarium chloride | Anhydrous, ≥99.9% metals basis, powder | For water-sensitive systems, coordination/organometallic precursor synthesis, molten-salt/halide-route materials |
RE metals (high-purity metal powder) | 7440-53-1 | E434808 | Europium | ≥99.9% metals basis, powder, max particle size 250 μm | Eu metal for alloying/reduction/intermetallic studies; powder is highly reactive—store/handle under inert atmosphere |
RE metals (high-purity metal powder) | 7440-60-0 | H434765 | Holmium | ≥99.9% metals basis, powder, 5 g, ≤500 μm | Ho metal for alloys, magnetic/spectroscopic studies; powder oxidizes easily—use inert handling or rapid operation |
RE metals (high-purity metal powder) | 7439-94-3 | L434755 | Lutetium | ≥99.9% metals basis, powder, ≤500 μm, 1 g | Lu metal for alloying, target/evaporation feedstock, metal-state reactions; powder requires oxidation control and dust safety |
RE metals (high-purity metal powder) | 7440-64-4 | Y476602 | Ytterbium | ≥99.9% metals basis, powder, ≤500 μm, 10 g | Reactive Yb metal for reduction/alloying/organometallic studies; keep sealed, dry, oxygen-free |
RE metals (high-purity metal powder) | 7440-65-5 | Y108777 | Yttrium metal | ≥99.9% metals basis, powder | Used for alloy additions, target feedstock, reductant/deoxidation studies; powder improves mixing/reactivity |
RE metals (high-purity metal powder) | 7440-10-0 | P106105 | Praseodymium metal | ≥99.9% metals basis, powder | For alloying, magnetic materials, metal-state reactions; control oxidation and dust hazards |
RE metals (ingot, oil-sealed) | 7440-00-8 | N118646 | Neodymium ingot | ≥99.9% metals basis, ingot (in mineral oil) | Oil sealing reduces oxidation for alloying/magnet studies; degrease before use and account for surface oxide |
RE metals (chips/granules) | 7440-54-2 | G434695 | Gadolinium | ≥99.9% metals basis, chips | Chips facilitate charging for melting/alloying; used in magnetic/neutron-absorption materials (oxidation control needed) |
RE metals (powder/mesh) | 7440-19-9 | S106107 | Samarium powder | ≥99.9% metals basis, 200 mesh | Fine powder for mixing/sintering/alloying; Sm common in permanent magnets and alloys—oxidation control required |
RE metals (high purity, REO-basis) | 7429-91-6 | D107056 | Dysprosium metal | ≥99.9% metals basis (REO) | Dy for high-temperature magnets/alloys/magnetic tuning; “REO basis” is an oxide-equivalent reporting convention, not total impurity content |
RE metals (high purity powder, REO-basis) | 7440-30-4 | T112802 | Thulium powder | ≥99.9% metals basis (REO) | Tm for alloys, metal-state reactions, target/evaporation feedstock; strict moisture/oxygen control required |
RE metals (high-purity metal) | 7440-20-2 | S107379 | Scandium metal | ≥99.9% metals basis | Sc for alloying (Al alloys), targets/evaporation feedstock, metal-state reactions; oxidizes readily—store sealed/inert |
RE metals (high-purity metal) | 7439-91-0 | L105396 | Lanthanum metal | ≥99.9% metals basis | La for alloying, hydrogen storage, catalytic metal components; surface oxidizes easily—care in cutting/melting |
RE metals (high-purity metal powder) | 7440-27-9 | T110937 | Terbium powder | ≥99.9% metals basis | Tb metal for alloys and magneto-optical/magnetic studies; powder is reactive—oxidation control needed |
RE metals (ingot/lumps) | 7440-45-1 | C108772 | Cerium metal | ≥99.5% metals basis, ingot, 1–10 mm | 1–10 mm lumps are easy for charging/melting/alloying; Ce used in oxygen-storage/reductive studies and alloys (surface oxidizes easily) |
RE metals (ingot/lump) | 7440-52-0 | E119314 | Erbium metal | Ingot, 99.9% metals basis | For alloying, magnetic/hydride studies, evaporation/sputtering target feedstock, or metal-state reactions (watch surface oxidation) |
RE standard solutions (elemental analysis/calibration) | 7440-65-5 | Y684766 | Yttrium standard solution | 1000 μg/mL in 10% HNO₃ | Common internal standard/calibration element; for ICP-OES/ICP-MS calibration, QC, and matrix matching |
RE standard solutions (elemental analysis/calibration) | 7440-54-2 | G117326 | Gadolinium standard solution | 1000 μg/mL in 1.0 mol/L HNO₃ | For elemental quantification, QC, drift monitoring; nitric matrix supports digestion-matrix matching |
RE standard solutions (elemental analysis/calibration) | 7429-91-6 | D117330 | Dysprosium standard solution | 1000 μg/mL in 1.0 mol/L nitric acid | For Dy calibration/QC/method validation; nitric matrix aligns with nitric digestion systems |
RE standard solutions (elemental analysis/calibration) | 7440-53-1 | E118416 | Europium standard solution | 1000 μg/mL in 10% HCl | For Eu calibration/QC; often used for quantitative work on luminescent-material solutions and method development |
RE standard solutions (elemental analysis/calibration) | 7440-60-0 | H117331 | Holmium standard solution | Analytical standard, 1000 μg/mL in 1.0 mol/L HNO₃ | For calibration curves, QC preparation, method confirmation; acid matrix stabilizes ions and suppresses hydrolysis |
RE standard solutions (elemental analysis/calibration) | 7439-94-3 | L117339 | Lutetium standard solution | Analytical standard, 1000 μg/mL in 1.0 mol/L HNO₃ | For ICP-OES/ICP-MS/AAS calibration, validation, spike recovery; nitric matrix suits most inorganic analyses |
RE standard solutions (elemental analysis/calibration) | 7439-91-0 | L117317 | Lanthanum standard solution | 1000 μg/mL in 10% HCl | For calibration/QC/spike recovery; HCl matrix suits chloride matrices (note corrosion/volatility considerations) |
RE standard solutions (elemental analysis/calibration) | 7440-10-0 | P117320 | Praseodymium standard solution | 1000 μg/mL in 1.0 mol/L HNO₃ | For ICP/AAS calibration and validation; nitric systems are typically stable |
RE standard solutions (elemental analysis/calibration) | 7440-45-1 | C117319 | Cerium standard solution | 1000 μg/mL in 10% HNO₃ | For ICP/AAS calibration/QC; 10% HNO₃ stabilizes ions and suppresses hydrolysis |
RE standard solutions (elemental analysis/calibration) | 7440-00-8 | N117323 | Neodymium standard solution | 1000 μg/mL in 10% HCl | For Nd quantification/spike recovery/QC; HCl matrix fits certain methods (ensure matrix consistency) |
RE standard solutions (elemental analysis/calibration) | 7440-20-2 | S115452 | Scandium standard solution | 1000 μg/mL in 10% HCl | For Sc calibration/QC; convenient when matching chloride matrices |
RE standard solutions (elemental analysis/calibration) | 7440-19-9 | S117324 | Samarium standard solution | 1000 μg/mL in 10% HCl | For Sm calibration/QC/method validation; HCl matrix supports certain matrix-matching needs |
RE standard solutions (elemental analysis/calibration) | 7440-64-4 | Y117338 | Ytterbium standard solution | 1000 μg/mL in 10% HCl | HCl matrix suits some methods or sample matrices; for ICP/AAS calibration and validation |
RE standard solutions (elemental analysis/calibration) | 7440-27-9 | T117328 | Terbium standard solution | 1000 μg/mL in 1.0 mol/L HNO₃ | For Tb quantification, calibration/QC; good match for nitric digestion matrices |
RE standard solutions (elemental analysis/calibration) | 7440-30-4 | T117335 | Thulium standard solution | 1000 μg/mL | Often used for calibration/QC; if acid matrix is not specified, confirm matrix matching with the sample acid system before use |
RE oxide dispersions (nano/water dispersion) | 12061-16-4 | E431579 | Erbium(III) oxide, dispersion | Nanoparticles, dispersion, <100 nm (BET), 5 wt% in H₂O | Water-dispersed nano oxide for uniform introduction in coatings/composites/catalysis/optical studies; reduces powder agglomeration steps |
RE oxide dispersions (nano) | 12060-58-1 | S431576 | Samarium(III) oxide dispersion | Nanoparticles, <100 nm (BET) | Suitable for “uniform incorporation/loading” in sol-gel, composites, catalysis, and luminescence studies |