Lanthanides

AbstractMaestro, Patrick, and Sabot, Jean—Louis (Rhône‐Poulenc Inc.). Lanthanides is the name given collectively to the 15 elements from lanthanum to lutetium sharing the same space in Mendeleev's original Periodic Table. Lanthanides have a unique electronic structure because of partially filled 4forbitals. Occurrence and preparation of the rare earths is described. Mining of lanthanide ores and the various separation methods are discussed. Except for cerium and europium, the lanthanides are separated industrially of solvent extraction. The production of lanthanide metals is also presented.Industrial applications of lanthanides encompass a number of different fields, including the high technology field of electronics. Uses in metallurgy, catalysis, and the glass and ceramics industry are based on unique chemical and structure properties. Uses as luminescent materials for phosphor applications or in medical imaging technology are limited to specific optical properties. Uses of lanthanides and their alloys as high energy magnets result from the special magnetic properties. Information storage is but one of many industries in which lanthanide usage is expected to grow. Vol. 14, pp. 1091–1116, 51 refs. to January 1993.