Europium Oxide

Overview

Europium Oxide (Eu₂O₃) is a red-pink powder renowned for its role as the primary source of Eu³+ ions in optoelectronic devices and nuclear materials. With a CAS number of 1308-96-9 and a molecular weight of 351.92 g/mol, this rare-earth oxide offers purity levels of 99.9%-99.99% (4N), featuring a melting point of 2050°C and a density of 7.42 g/cm³. Its strong red fluorescence under UV excitation and high neutron absorption cross-section make it indispensable in displays, sensors, and nuclear reactors.

Features

Intense Red Emission:Eu³⁺ ions in this material exhibit sharp, well-defined emission peaks at 590 nm (magnetic dipole) and 613 nm (electric dipole). This property produces highly saturated red colors, making it essential for high-performance display technologies, LED lighting, and advanced signage applications that demand vivid, precise color reproduction.

Nuclear Cross-Section:With an exceptionally high thermal neutron absorption cross-section of 4500 barns, this material is highly effective in nuclear control rod applications. It helps regulate fission reactions in pressurized water reactors (PWRs), enhancing reactor safety, stability, and operational efficiency while maintaining long-term structural and chemical integrity under extreme radiation.

Thermal Stability:This compound maintains excellent luminescent efficiency at temperatures up to 1500°C, making it ideal for high-temperature phosphor applications. It performs reliably in halogen lamps, projection systems, and other thermal-intensive lighting technologies, ensuring consistent brightness, long service life, and color stability even under prolonged thermal stress.

Controlled Crystallinity:Available in both cubic fluorite and monoclinic crystalline forms, this material offers tailored compatibility with yttrium and gadolinium oxides in composite systems. Controlled crystallinity enables optimized optical performance, mechanical stability, and uniform luminescence, supporting its use in advanced phosphors, laser materials, and optoelectronic devices.

Ultra-Low Impurities:Stringent purification reduces cerium and terbium impurity levels to below 0.01%, ensuring exceptionally pure red emission. This ultra-low contamination minimizes spectral overlap and color distortion, providing high-performance luminescent materials for precision displays, LEDs, and specialized lighting applications that require consistent, high-quality red light output.

Applications

LED & LCD Displays: Core component in red phosphors for white LED lighting (e.g., YAG:Eu³+) and quantum dot displays, contributing to wide color gamut (Rec. 2020 compliance).

Nuclear Safety: Used in burnable poisons (e.g., Eu2O3-doped UO2 pellets) to absorb excess neutrons in reactor cores, controlling power distribution during operation.

Optical Filters: Deposited as thin films on solar concentrators to reflect UV light while transmitting visible and NIR radiation, improving panel efficiency.

Chemical Sensors: Eu³+-doped nanocomposites detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through changes in fluorescence intensity, enabling real-time air quality monitoring.

Research & Development: Serves as a model material for studying f-f transitions in spectroscopy and as a dopant in glass fibers for optical parametric oscillators.

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between Eu²+ and Eu³+ in luminescent applications?

A: Eu³+ emits red light under UV excitation, while Eu²+ emits blue light in reducing environments; our oxide primarily provides Eu³+ for red phosphor applications.

Q: Can Europium Oxide be used in anti-corrosion coatings?

A: Yes, when combined with zinc oxide, it forms a protective layer on steel surfaces, inhibiting electrochemical reactions in marine environments.

Q: How does particle size affect phosphor brightness?

A: Submicron particles (0.3-0.5 μm) offer higher surface area for light emission, while larger particles (1-5 μm) improve mechanical durability in high-power LED packages.

Q: Is there a radioactive risk associated with Europium Oxide?

A: No, natural europium isotopes are non-radioactive, and the material is classified as non-hazardous for industrial handling.

Q: What is the shelf life under standard storage conditions?

A: Sealed in dry nitrogen-filled containers, Eu₂O₃ remains stable for 5+ years at <25°C and <40% RH; avoid prolonged exposure to humid air to prevent surface hydration.