Properties and Overview of Yttrium

Overview:

Yttrium (Y) a transition metal with the chemical symbol Y and atomic number 39, is often grouped with rare earth elements due to its unique properties. It is a silvery-metallic element that forms a protective oxide layer, making it relatively stable in air. With a density of 4.47 g/cm³, it is lighter than most other transition metals. Yttrium's high melting point of 1,522°C and boiling point of 3,338°C enable it to withstand extreme temperatures without melting or vaporizing. These exceptional properties, a high melting point and moderate density, contribute to its versatility in various industrial applications.
Chemically, yttrium is quite reactive, particularly with water and acids. It tends to form compounds in the +3 oxidation state, such as yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃), which is one of the most stable and essential yttrium compounds. Yttrium oxide is highly refractory, meaning it has excellent thermal stability and is resistant to melting or breaking down at high temperatures. Yttrium also forms various other compounds, including yttrium chloride (YCl₃), yttrium nitrate (Y(NO₃)₃), and yttrium fluoride (YF₃). These compounds often produce other materials or in various chemical processes. Yttrium is known for its ability to enhance the properties of other materials, particularly in the creation of high-performance alloys and ceramics.
While yttrium and its compounds are generally considered to be of low toxicity, it is crucial to note that there are potential health risks associated with their handling. Yttrium is quite reactive, particularly with water and acids, and can cause lung and skin irritation if proper protective measures are not taken. Therefore, the handling of yttrium and its compounds necessitates standard safety precautions, such as wearing protective clothing, gloves, and masks, to minimize exposure and prevent potential health risks, especially in industrial settings.

Production:

Yttrium is typically produced through the extraction from rare earth ores, such as xenotime and monazite, which contain small amounts of yttrium and other rare earth elements. The production process involves several steps, including crushing the ore and solvent extraction and ion exchange techniques to separate yttrium from other elements. Depending on its intended use, the extracted yttrium is then purified and converted into various forms, such as yttrium oxide or yttrium metal. The global production of yttrium is concentrated in regions with significant rare earth deposits, such as China, which dominates the yttrium supply chain.

Applications:

Yttrium has many applications, particularly in electronics, materials science, and medicine. One of its most significant uses is producing phosphors, essential components in color television screens, computer monitors, and LED lights. Yttrium is a critical ingredient in the red phosphors used in these devices, where it helps produce bright, vivid colors. Additionally, yttrium is used in the manufacturing of high-temperature superconductors, which have the potential to revolutionize the fields of energy transmission and storage by allowing electricity to flow with zero resistance at relatively high temperatures.
In materials science, yttrium is valued for its ability to enhance the properties of other materials. Yttrium oxide, for example, is used to stabilize zirconia in the production of high-performance ceramics, which are used in applications ranging from cutting tools to thermal barriers in jet engines. Yttrium is also alloyed with other metals, such as aluminum and magnesium, to improve their strength, corrosion resistance, and workability. These yttrium-containing alloys are particularly important in the aerospace and automotive industries, where materials that combine light weight with high strength are in demand.
Yttrium also has critical applications in medicine, particularly in treating certain cancers. Yttrium-90, a radioactive isotope of yttrium, is used in radiotherapy to target and destroy cancer cells. This isotope is employed in selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT), where it is delivered directly to tumors in the liver, allowing for precise and effective treatment with minimal damage to surrounding tissues. Additionally, yttrium-90 is used in radiolabeled antibodies for targeted cancer therapy.

Summary:

Yttrium is versatile and has many applications across multiple industries. Its chemical and physical properties make it valuable in producing high-performance materials, electronic devices, and medical treatments. While generally considered to be low toxicity, yttrium requires careful handling to avoid potential health risks, particularly in industrial environments. The extraction and production of yttrium are closely tied to the broader rare earth industry, making it a critical component in many modern technologies.

See a comprehensive list of atomic, electrical, mechanical, physical and thermal properties for yttrium below: