High Magnetic Moment Gadolinium Oxide for Magnetic Resonance and Optoelectronic Applications

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: 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.