Niobium

Charles Hatchett. Soft-ground etching by F. C. Lewis after T Wellcome V0002614 (cropped)

Sommer, Giorgio (1834-1914) - n. 2990 - Niobe madre - Firenze

World Niobium Production 2006

Niobium pentachloride solid

Niobium-pentachloride-from-xtal-3D-balls

Niobium metal

Niobium is a chemical element with the symbol Nb and atomic number 41. It is a soft, grey, crystalline, ductile metal that is often found in the minerals pyrochlore and columbite, hence the former name "columbium". Its properties are similar to those of the element tantalum, which sits directly below niobium in the periodic table. The two elements are difficult to distinguish from each other when found in the same mineral.

Properties

Niobium is characterized by its high melting point (2,468 degrees Celsius) and its remarkable resistance to corrosion. It is also known for its superconducting properties. When alloyed with other metals, particularly steel, niobium increases strength, ductility, and the ability to withstand high temperatures without deforming. These characteristics make it valuable in industries that require materials to maintain their integrity under extreme conditions, such as aerospace and defense.

Applications

The most common use of niobium is in the production of high-grade structural steel. The addition of niobium to steel improves its strength and allows for lighter, more fuel-efficient vehicles in automotive manufacturing. It is also used in the construction of gas pipelines and jet engines, where high strength and resistance to high temperatures are crucial.

In electronics, niobium is used in the manufacture of capacitors and superconducting magnets. These magnets are essential components of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines and particle accelerators like those used in nuclear physics research.

Niobium's superconducting properties are exploited in the field of quantum computing. Superconducting qubits, a type of quantum bit, are made using niobium-based circuits, which are critical for the development of quantum computers.

History

Niobium was discovered in 1801 by the English chemist Charles Hatchett. He found a new element in a mineral sample from America and named it columbium, after Columbia, the poetic name for America. The element was later renamed niobium, after Niobe, the daughter of Tantalus, in Greek mythology, reflecting its chemical similarity to tantalum.

Production

The largest producers of niobium are Brazil and Canada, with Brazil accounting for the majority of the world's supply. The extraction of niobium typically involves a series of processes including crushing the ore, followed by separation of niobium and tantalum ores due to their similar chemical properties.

Environmental and Health Concerns

While niobium is not considered highly toxic, the mining and processing of niobium-bearing ores can have environmental impacts, including habitat destruction and water pollution. Workers exposed to niobium dust or compounds should use appropriate protective equipment to avoid potential health risks.

See Also

• Tantalum
• Periodic table
• Superconductor
• Quantum computing

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