Antimony is a gray metal with a silver luster, which has unique thermal shrinkage and cold expansion characteristics.
Advanced Institute of TechnologyThis article will discuss the properties and four allotropes of antimony, and explore
Magnetron Sputtering High Purity Antimony SbApplications in various fields.
1. The properties of antimony and the characteristics of its four allotropes
-Antimony is a nitrogen group element with an electronegativity of 2.05, indicating a high level of electronegativity. In the periodic table, the electronegativity of antimony is between tin and bismuth. For antimony, it is stable in air at room temperature, but can react with oxygen to form antimony trioxide when heated. In addition, antimony does not react with acids under normal conditions.
-It is known that antimony exists in four allotropes, namely metallic antimony, explosive antimony, black antimony, and yellow antimony.
a) Antimony metal is a fragile silver white metal with a glossy finish. When molten antimony slowly cools, it forms a cubic crystal system, similar to the allotropes of gray arsenic. It is a stable form of antimony.
b) Explosive antimony can be prepared by electrolyzing antimony trichloride and has rare explosive properties. When scraping explosive antimony, white smoke is emitted and metallic antimony is generated. If it is ground with a pestle in a mortar, a violent explosion will occur.
c) Black antimony is formed by rapid cooling of the vapor of metallic antimony. Its crystal structure is similar to that of red phosphorus and black arsenic, and it is easily oxidized by oxygen or even self igniting. However, when the temperature drops to 100 ℃, black antimony will gradually transform into a stable crystal form.
d) Yellow antimony is the most unstable allotrope. Only under the condition of -90 ℃ can antimony hydride be obtained through oxidation reaction. Under the influence of low temperature and ambient light, yellow antimony will transform into more stable black antimony.
2. Application fields of magnetron sputtering high-purity antimony Sb
-Electronics industry: Magnetron sputtering high-purity antimony Sb is widely used in the electronics industry. Antimony plays an important role in the semiconductor field and is commonly used in the manufacture of devices such as photodiodes and solar panels. High purity antimony Sb has excellent electronic properties, which can improve the performance and efficiency of electronic components.
-Plastic additive: Due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, high-purity antimony (Sb) produced by magnetron sputtering is often added to plastics as a mold inhibitor and preservative. This can effectively extend the service life of plastic products and maintain good quality.
-Battery material: Antimony is often used as an anode material in the battery production process. Magnetron sputtering of high-purity antimony Sb can provide higher energy density and cycle life in various batteries such as lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries, resulting in better performance of the batteries.
-Fireproof materials: Antimony and its compounds have strong flame suppression ability, and high-purity antimony Sb sputtered by magnetron sputtering is often used as a raw material for flame retardants and fireproof coatings. Antimony plays an important role in suppressing flame spread and can be used to manufacture fire prevention equipment and materials.
-Cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries: Antimony is widely used in the fields of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Magnetron sputtered high-purity antimony Sb is often added to cosmetics as a pigment for powder, eye shadow and lipstick. Antimony is also used in pharmaceutical preparations and has certain antibacterial and antifungal effects.
Conclusion:
Magnetron Sputtering High Purity Antimony SbIt has a wide range of application fields, including the electronics industry, plastic additives, battery materials, fire-resistant materials, as well as the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. By gaining a deeper understanding of the characteristics and four allotropes of antimony, we can better utilize its excellent properties and contribute to the development of various fields.
