Lutetium
Physical and Chemical Properties
- Hardness: One of the hardest lanthanide metals.
- Density: High density of about 9.84 g/cm³.
- Melting point: Around 1,663 °C.
- Corrosion resistance: Relatively resistant to air corrosion.
- Electron configuration: [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹ 6s².
- Rarity: One of the rarest and most expensive lanthanides.
Uses of Lutetium
- Catalysts: Used in petrochemical catalysts to improve refining processes.
- Nuclear technology: Used in neutron detectors due to its high neutron absorption cross-section.
- Medicine: Lutetium-177 is used in targeted radiotherapy for cancer treatment.
- Phosphorescence: Used in phosphorescent materials and scintillators in nuclear medicine and radiation detection.
- Research: Applied in scientific and technological research, especially in materials science.
Advantages
- Efficient catalysis
- Effective cancer therapy
- High sensitivity in radiation detection
- Durability due to hardness and corrosion resistance
Summary
Lutetium is a rare and valuable element with unique physical and chemical properties. It plays an important role in catalysts, nuclear technology, medicine, phosphorescent materials, and research.
Further Information
More information can be found in chemistry and materials science textbooks and on specialized websites in nuclear medicine and catalyst technology.