Gadolinium Oxide

Overview

Gadolinium Oxide (Gd₂O₃) is a white, highly magnetic powder celebrated for its unique combination of high magnetic susceptibility and optical transparency. With a CAS number of 12064-62-9 and a molecular weight of 362.50 g/mol, this rare-earth oxide offers purity levels of 99.9%-99.99% (4N), featuring a melting point of 2420°C and a density of 7.40 g/cm³. Its strong ferromagnetic behavior at low temperatures and broad optical transmission spectrum make it indispensable in medical diagnostics, data storage, and advanced ceramic systems.

Features

1. High Magnetic Moment: Gd³+ ions exhibit a net magnetic moment of 7.94 μB, the highest among lanthanides, enabling use in MRI contrast agents to enhance tissue visibility.

2. Optical Transparency: Transmits light from the ultraviolet (200 nm) to mid-infrared (6 μm), ideal for protective coatings in infrared sensors and laser windows.

3. Thermal Stability: Maintains structural integrity in oxidizing atmospheres up to 2000°C, suitable for thermal barrier coatings in gas turbine components.

4. Controllable Particle Size: Available in nanoscale (50-100 nm) for thin-film deposition and micron-scale (1-5 μm) for ceramic densification, ensuring process compatibility.

5. Low Rare-Earth Impurities: Strict purification reduces adjacent lanthanide contaminants (Eu, Tb, Sm < 0.05%), critical for maintaining magnetic homogeneity in storage devices.

Applications

• Medical Imaging: Core component in gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) for MRI, shortening proton relaxation times (T1) to highlight tumors and vascular abnormalities.

• Magnetic Storage: Doped into garnet films for magneto-optical disks, enabling high-density data storage with fast read/write speeds (up to 10 Gb/in²).

• Ceramic Composites: Used as a sintering aid in zirconia ceramics, reducing grain growth and improving fracture toughness for dental implants and cutting tools.

• Optical Filters: Deposited as thin films on photodetectors to block visible light while transmitting NIR signals, enhancing sensitivity in night vision systems.

• Research & Development: Serves as a host matrix for doping with terbium or europium ions in luminescent materials, enabling novel photonic devices for solar energy harvesting.

FAQ

Q: Is there any export limitation for the material in China?

A: Since April 2025, our country put Gadolinium as dual use item, which is under strict export limitation in China.

But the export licence can be possibly permitted if the end user and end user are not related with military use.

Q: What is the typical concentration of Gd₂O₃ in MRI contrast agents?

A: Clinical formulations typically contain 0.5 M Gd³+ ions, complexed with chelating agents like DTPA to ensure renal safety and prevent metal ion release.

Q: Can Gadolinium Oxide be used in high-frequency magnetic devices?

A: Yes, its low magnetic hysteresis loss makes it suitable for ferrite cores in wireless charging coils, operating efficiently at 100-200 kHz.

Q: How does humidity affect the storage of Gd₂O₃?

A: While it has low hygroscopicity, long-term exposure to >70% RH may cause surface hydroxylation; store in sealed containers with desiccant packs for optimal stability.

Q: Is there a difference in performance between 3N and 4N purity grades?

A: 4N-grade products (99.99%) exhibit lower fluorescence quenching and more consistent magnetic responses, critical for precision medical and data storage applications.

Q: Can it be used in nuclear radiation shielding?

A: Yes, gadolinium's high neutron capture cross-section (46,000 barns) makes it effective in control rods and shielding materials for nuclear reactors.