About Lutetium (Lu)
Symbol: Lu
Atomic number: 71
Atomic weight: 174.9668
Element category: lanthanide, sometimes considered a transition metal
Lutetium is a silvery-white, hard, dense, rare earth metal, belonging to the lanthanides group. It is the hardest and the densest of the lanthanides.
Lutetium is one of the most difficult elements to prepare therefore it has very few commercial uses. It can be used as a catalyst for cracking hydrocarbons in the petrochemical industry. Lutetium isotopes are used to determine the meteorites' age and as a pure beta emitter, using lutetium which has been exposed to neutron activation.
Lutetium (Lu) Products
Stanford Advanced Materials (SAM) now can provide various lutetium products including:
Lutetium Metal:
Shapes: powder, sputter target, or customized
Purity: 3N-4N
Lutetium Compound:
Lutetium Oxide (Lu2O3): 4N-5N;
Lutetium Nitrate (Lu(NO3)3): 3N-4N;
Lutetium Chloride (LuCl3): 3N-4N;
Lutetium Fluoride (LuF3): 3N-4N;
Lutetium Acetate ((CH3CO2)3Lu): 3N-4N;
Lutetium Carbonate (Lu2(CO3)3): 3N-4N;
Lutetium (III) Sulfate (Lu2(SO4)3): 3N-4N;
Lutetium Evaporation Material:
Lutetium (Lu); Lutetium Oxide (Lu2O3)
For lutetium sputter targets, find here: http://www.sputtertargets.net/lutetium.html
Key Properties of Lutetium:
Rare and Valuable: Lutetium is one of the rarest naturally occurring elements, making up only a tiny fraction of Earth's crust. Its scarcity enhances its value in various high-tech applications.
High Melting Point: Lutetium boasts an impressive melting point, rendering it suitable for applications that require materials to withstand extreme temperatures.
Stable Isotopes: Lutetium is notable for its abundance of stable isotopes, which contribute to its usefulness in a range of nuclear and medical applications.
Applications of Lutetium:
Nuclear Industry: Lutetium-176, a stable isotope, is used in radiometric dating techniques to determine the age of rocks and minerals. It's also employed in neutron detectors and other nuclear applications.
Medical Imaging: Lutetium-based compounds find applications in positron emission tomography (PET) scans, aiding in the diagnosis and monitoring of various medical conditions, including cancer.
Ceramic and Glass Manufacturing: Lutetium compounds are utilized to create specialized ceramics and glasses with unique optical properties, such as phosphors for LED lighting and scintillators for radiation detection.
Research and Development: Lutetium is a valuable tool in scientific research, particularly in fields like spectroscopy, magnetism, and laser technology, due to its distinctive electronic properties.
Why Choose Lutetium:
Rare and Precious: Lutetium's scarcity makes it a valuable element for applications that require unique properties and performance.
Technological Advancements: Lutetium contributes to cutting-edge technologies, from medical imaging to energy-efficient lighting.
Stability and Reliability: Lutetium's stable isotopes enable accurate measurement and analysis in various scientific and industrial endeavors.
Innovation Catalyst: Lutetium's properties foster innovation in research and development, driving progress in multiple scientific disciplines.
Versatility: Despite its rarity, Lutetium finds diverse applications across industries, highlighting its adaptability.
