Ytterbium (Yb) is a rare-earth element with the atomic number 70. It was discovered in 1878 by the Swiss chemist Jean de Marignac. Named after Ytterby, a village in Sweden, ytterbium is a soft, silvery-white metal that is easy to shape and cut. It is part of the lanthanide series in the periodic table.
Ytterbium has several unique properties:
Soft and Malleable: It is easy to bend and mold.
Bright Appearance: Ytterbium has a shiny surface but slowly turns golden or brown when exposed to air.
Reactive: It reacts slowly with cold water but faster with hot water. It also reacts with acids and halogens.
Magnetic Behavior: Ytterbium is paramagnetic at temperatures above 1 Kelvin, unlike many other rare-earth elements.
Three Forms: Ytterbium has three different crystal forms, which change with temperature.
Ytterbium is found in several rare minerals, such as monazite, euxenite, and xenotime. The main mining areas for ytterbium are in China, the United States, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Most ytterbium is extracted from monazite sand, which contains about 0.03% ytterbium. The world produces about 50 tonnes of ytterbium each year.
Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
To produce ytterbium, its ores are treated using a process that separates it from other elements. This is done through methods like solvent extraction and ion exchange.
Ytterbium is a versatile element with many practical uses in various industries:
Improving Stainless Steel: Ytterbium is added to stainless steel to make it stronger and more durable. It improves the grain structure of the steel, which helps increase its strength and resistance to wear. This makes the steel better for use in demanding environments, like construction and machinery.
Dental Alloys: Alloys that contain ytterbium are used in dental fillings and crowns. These alloys are strong and resistant to corrosion, which makes them suitable for use in the mouth. They help restore damaged teeth and improve the durability of dental work. Dentists use these alloys because they last longer and do not react with saliva or food.
Portable X-Ray Machines: Ytterbium-169, a radioactive isotope, is used as a source of gamma rays in portable X-ray machines. These machines are valuable in areas where electricity is unavailable, such as remote locations or in emergencies. The gamma rays from ytterbium-169 can penetrate soft tissues and help produce clear images of bones and internal structures.
Atomic Clocks: Ytterbium is used in some of the most precise atomic clocks. These clocks rely on the stable vibrations of ytterbium atoms to keep time with extreme accuracy. Atomic clocks using ytterbium are so precise that they are accurate to within one second over millions of years. This technology is crucial for global positioning systems (GPS), telecommunications, and scientific research.
Industrial Catalyst: Ytterbium compounds are used as catalysts in chemical reactions. They help speed up processes that would otherwise take much longer or require more energy. For example, ytterbium catalysts are used in the production of plastics, pharmaceuticals, and other chemicals. These catalysts are preferred because they are effective and reduce the need for more harmful or expensive materials.
Lasers and Fiber Optics: Ytterbium is used in certain types of lasers and fiber optic cables. In lasers, ytterbium ions help produce light that is highly focused and powerful. These lasers are used in various applications, including medical procedures, cutting and welding metals, and scientific research. In fiber optics, ytterbium helps improve the strength and efficiency of data transmission over long distances.
Quantum Computing: Ytterbium ions, particularly the 171 Yb+ isotope, are used in quantum computers. These computers use quantum bits, or qubits, to perform complex calculations much faster than traditional computers. Ytterbium ions are stable and easy to control, making them ideal for use in developing quantum technology. This technology is expected to revolutionize fields like cryptography, data analysis, and artificial intelligence.
Ytterbium can pose certain health risks:
Irritant: It can irritate the skin and eyes.
Toxicity: Ytterbium and its compounds are highly toxic, and precautions should be taken to avoid exposure.
Storage Needs: Ytterbium should be stored in airtight containers, away from air and moisture, as its dust can catch fire easily.
Despite these risks, ytterbium does not harm plants or animals and is considered safe for the environment. Its salts are now being used as safer alternatives to more toxic chemicals in industry.
Ytterbium is a rare-earth metal with many valuable applications. From strengthening stainless steel to aiding in quantum computing, its uses are wide-ranging. Proper handling is essential due to its toxic nature, but its benefits in technology and industry make it a vital element. To learn more about ytterbium and other rare-earth elements, visit Stanford Materials Corporation (SMC).
Eric Loewen
Eric Loewen graduated from the University of Illinois studying applied chemistry. His educational background gives him a broad base from which to approach many topics. He has been working with topics about advanced materials for over 5 years at Stanford Materials Corporation (SMC). His main purpose in writing these articles is to provide a free, yet quality resource for readers. He welcomes feedback on typos, errors, or differences in opinion that readers come across.
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