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Names | |
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IUPAC name Dysprosium titanate | |
Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol) | |
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Properties | |
Dy2O7Ti2 | |
Molar mass | 532.727 g·mol−1 |
Density | 6.8 g/cm3 [1] |
Structure [1] | |
Pyrochlore | |
Fd3m, cF88, No. 227 | |
a = 1.0136 nm | |
Formula units (Z) | 8 |
Related compounds | |
Other cations | Holmium titanate |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). |
Dysprosium titanate (Dy 2 Ti 2 O 7 or Dy2TiO5) is an inorganic compound, specifically a ceramic of the titanate family. Two common phases of this compound exist with differing properties: Dy2Ti2O7 and Dy2TiO5. Dysprosium titanate is commonly used throughout the nuclear industry in nuclear control rods and as a host for nuclear waste. [2] [3]
Dysprosium titanate was one of the first materials that was discovered to be a spin ice, along with holmium titanate (Ho2Ti2O7), in 1997. [4] The existence of these materials was predicted by Linus Pauling in 1935, but neutron scattering experiments confirmed their existence as holmium titanate satisfied the model. [5]
Since its discovery as a spin ice, dysprosium titanate has continued to be a focus of research because the magnetic frustration that results from its pyrochlore lattice. In 2009, quasiparticles resembling magnetic monopoles were observed at low temperature and high magnetic field through neutron-scattering experiments. [6] The study demonstrated the existence of Dirac strings in dysprosium titanate and the presence of monopole characteristics at low temperatures. [7]
The Dy2Ti2O7 phase exhibits a cubic pyrochlore structure where the Dy3+ ions form a network of corner-sharing tetrahedra. [4] [8] It is notable for its ability to withstand structural change in the presence of radiation from high energy ions. [2]
Dy2Ti2O7 can be "stuffed" by adding additional lanthanide atoms into the pyrochlore to generate Dy2TiO5. [9] In this instance, Dy3+ is 5-coordinated with oxygen, which produces an orthorhombic structure in the Dy2TiO5 phase. This phase also possesses a large neutron absorption cross section, which makes it desirable for various nuclear applications. [3] This can, however, pose difficulties when characterizing this compound through the use of neutron diffraction. [10]
Dysprosium titanate can be synthesized using various methods. The traditional synthesis process involve high-frequency induction melting of dysprosium oxide and titania in a cooled crucible. Sol-gel synthesis has also been utilized as a method to produce the compound in powder form. More recent developments have displayed the viability of mechanochemical processes using anatase and dysprosium oxide as reagents to produce dysprosium titanate nanopowders. [11] [12]
Dysprosium titanate has become a desirable material in nuclear industry because of various properties. The compound has a large neutron absorption cross-section, low thermal expansion, high heat capacity, high radiation resistance, and a high melting point, [13] [14] all of which make dysprosium titanate a favorable material to use in control rods for nuclear reactors. [2] [12]
Specifically, this material is used in the control rods for industrial thermal neutron reactors such as the VVER-1000 reactor type. [15]