Tantalum
Simplified 2D Bohr model:Central red circle is the nucleus (proton). Blue ring represents the electron's orbit. Small blue dot is the electron. Note: This basic model doesn't show quantum behavior.
CLASSIFICATION:
Transition Metal
Positioned within the d-block of the periodic table, tantalum exhibits the characteristic properties of transition metals, including variable oxidation states, formation of colored compounds, and catalytic activity.
180.94788 u
Appearance: Lustrous, gray metal with a bluish tinge
Tantalum, a steely-gray transition metal, stands out for its exceptional resistance to corrosion and its impressive melting point, surpassed only by tungsten and rhenium. This remarkable element finds extensive use in the electronics industry, particularly in crafting capacitors and high-power resistors for devices like mobile phones, computers, and automotive systems. Its biocompatibility further extends its applications to the realm of medicine, where it's employed in surgical instruments and implants.
73
73
108
eV
4. Discovery and History
3017 °C
5458 °C
16.69 g/cm³
146 pm
10.85 cm³/mol
138 pm
24.27 J/(mol·K)
57.5 W/(m·K)
3400 m/s
16.69 g/cm³
6.5
57.5 W/(m·K)
800-1450 MPa
0.14 J/(g·K)
6.3 µm/(m·K)
Tantalum transitions from a solid to a liquid at 3017 °C and from a liquid to a gas at 5458 °C under standard pressure.
Tantalum demonstrates remarkable chemical inertness, resisting attack from most acids, except hydrofluoric acid and acidic solutions containing fluoride ions. Its stability arises from the formation of a protective oxide layer on its surface.
+5, +4, +3, +2
-0.71 V (Ta5+ + 5e- -> Ta)
Despite its general inertness, tantalum can form a variety of compounds, predominantly in the +5 oxidation state. Its chemistry often involves complex formation and cluster compounds.
Paramagnetic
131 nΩ·m at 20 °C
Positive, indicating hole conduction
2.05 (at 589 nm)
High, especially in the infrared region
Tantalum exhibits strong absorption in the ultraviolet region, contributing to its metallic luster.
n = 6 for the outermost electrons, indicating its position in the sixth period of the periodic table. (l = 2 for the 5d subshell, corresponding to d orbitals with complex shapes and angular momentum properties.)
Total Electrons: 73, Shells: 2, 8, 18, 32, 11, 2
The energy levels of tantalum's electrons are complex and influenced by electron-electron interactions and relativistic effects.
[Xe] 4f14 5d3 6s2
The electron configuration of tantalum reveals its position as a transition metal in the fifth period of the periodic table. The partially filled 5d subshell contributes to its diverse chemistry and ability to form compounds in various oxidation states.
Rare, found in minerals like coltan (columbite-tantalite) and tantalite
Tantalum is a rare element, primarily found in the mineral coltan, a complex mixture of columbite and tantalite. Major deposits of coltan are located in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda.
Body-Centered Cubic (BCC)
Temperature: At room temperature and standard pressure
Tantalum adopts a body-centered cubic crystal structure, where each tantalum atom is surrounded by eight nearest neighbors at the corners of a cube, with one atom at the center of the cube.
+5, +4, +3, +2
The most common and stable oxidation state of tantalum, often found in oxides (e.g., Ta2O5) and halides (e.g., TaF5)., Less common than the +5 state, but observed in some compounds, such as TaO2 and TaCl4., Relatively rare, but can be found in certain complexes and organometallic compounds., The least common oxidation state, typically stabilized by ligands in organometallic complexes.
Tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5)
Ta2O5
A stable, white powder with a high refractive index, used in the production of electronic components like capacitors and specialized glass.
Tantalum carbide (TaC)
TaC
An extremely hard, refractory ceramic material with a high melting point, used in cutting tools and wear-resistant coatings.
Tantalum nitride (TaN)
TaN
A hard, corrosion-resistant ceramic material used as a diffusion barrier in microelectronics and as a component in thin-film resistors.
Potassium tantalate (KTaO3)
KTaO3
A perovskite material with ferroelectric properties, used in piezoelectric devices and capacitors.
271.467 nm nm
Strong
265.327 nm nm
Strong
264.747 nm nm
Strong
17. Practical Applications
Electronics
Tantalum capacitors are prized for their high capacitance, stability, and reliability, making them essential components in mobile phones, computers, and automotive electronics. Tantalum is also used in high-power resistors and sputtering targets for thin-film deposition.
Medical Devices
Tantalum's biocompatibility and corrosion resistance make it ideal for medical implants, such as bone screws, plates, and stents. It's also used in surgical instruments and dental implants.
Alloys
Tantalum is added to superalloys to enhance their strength and resistance to high temperatures, making them suitable for use in jet engines, gas turbines, and nuclear reactors.
Chemical Processing
Tantalum's corrosion resistance makes it valuable in chemical processing equipment, including heat exchangers, condensers, and reactors, particularly for handling corrosive fluids.
Cutting Tools
Tantalum carbide, known for its extreme hardness, is used in cutting tools and wear-resistant coatings for machining and metalworking applications.
26. Synthesis and Production
Tantalum is not typically synthesized but is rather extracted and purified from naturally occurring minerals.
The primary method for extracting tantalum involves processing coltan ore. The ore is crushed and ground, followed by a series of chemical treatments, including solvent extraction and electrolysis, to separate tantalum from other elements.
Global tantalum production is limited, with Australia, Brazil, and some African countries being the major producers.
20. Economic Data
Market Price: Fluctuates based on supply and demand, but generally high due to the rarity of tantalum and the complex extraction process.
Producing Countries: Australia, Brazil, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Canada are the primary producers of tantalum.
Industrial Use: Tantalum's unique properties make it indispensable in electronics, aerospace, medical devices, and chemical processing industries.
Description: The economic significance of tantalum is tied to its critical role in high-tech applications. Its supply chain can be complex and is sometimes associated with ethical concerns related to conflict minerals.
18. Biological Role
Not biologically significant
Tantalum has no known biological role in living organisms. However, its biocompatibility and corrosion resistance make it suitable for medical implants.
Tantalum trade is subject to international regulations due to its association with conflict minerals. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act in the United States requires companies to disclose the origin of tantalum used in their products to ensure it does not contribute to conflict financing.
Export and import regulations may apply to tantalum and its compounds depending on the countries involved and the intended use.
19. Health and Environmental Impact
Tantalum metal and its compounds are generally safe, but precautions are necessary to avoid inhalation of tantalum dust, which can pose respiratory risks.
The mining and processing of tantalum ores can have environmental impacts, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. Ethical sourcing of tantalum is crucial to minimize these impacts and avoid conflict minerals.
27. Environmental Safety
Tantalum metal and its compounds are generally considered non-toxic. However, fine tantalum dust and powders can be hazardous if inhaled, potentially causing respiratory irritation and fibrosis. Proper ventilation and personal protective equipment should be used when handling tantalum powder.
When working with tantalum, it's crucial to follow safety guidelines for handling metal powders, including wearing appropriate respiratory protection, eye protection, and gloves. Proper ventilation is also essential to prevent the accumulation of tantalum dust in the air.
Handling: Handle tantalum powder with care, using appropriate personal protective equipment, including a respirator, gloves, and eye protection. Avoid generating dust and ensure proper ventilation.
Storage: Store tantalum powder in a cool, dry place, away from incompatible materials, such as strong oxidizers and acids.
First Aid Measures: In case of inhalation, move to fresh air and seek medical attention if necessary. For skin contact, wash thoroughly with soap and water. If eye contact occurs, flush eyes with water for several minutes and seek medical attention.
23. Future Predictions
Increased demand for tantalum in emerging technologies, such as electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and miniaturized electronics.
As technology advances, the demand for tantalum is expected to grow due to its essential role in capacitors and other electronic components.
Continued focus on ethical sourcing and responsible mining practices to address concerns related to conflict minerals.
Efforts to ensure responsible tantalum sourcing and promote sustainable mining practices are likely to intensify.
Development of new tantalum-based materials with enhanced properties for specialized applications.
Research and development efforts may lead to the discovery of novel tantalum compounds and alloys with improved performance characteristics.