Hafnium

Introduction

Hafnium is a chemical element with the symbol Hf and atomic number 72. It is a lustrous, silvery-gray transition metal, known for its high melting point and resistance to corrosion. Hafnium is chemically similar to Zirconium, and it is often found in zirconium minerals. The element was discovered in 1923 by Dirk Coster and George de Hevesy, who identified it through X-ray spectroscopic analysis.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Hafnium is characterized by its high density, which is approximately 13.31 g/cm³, and its melting point of about 2233 °C, making it one of the highest melting points among the elements. Its boiling point is 4603 °C. Hafnium's atomic radius is 159 pm, and it exhibits a hexagonal close-packed crystal structure.

Chemically, hafnium is notable for its resistance to corrosion due to the formation of a protective oxide layer on its surface. It reacts with halogens to form hafnium halides and can form compounds with nonmetals such as carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur. Hafnium is also known for its ability to absorb neutrons, which makes it valuable in nuclear technology.

Occurrence and Extraction

Hafnium does not occur as a free element in nature. It is primarily obtained from zirconium minerals, such as zircon (ZrSiO₄) and baddeleyite (ZrO₂). The separation of hafnium from zirconium is challenging due to their similar chemical properties. Industrial separation methods include liquid-liquid extraction and ion exchange techniques.

Shiny metallic hafnium sample on a neutral background.

Applications

Hafnium has several important applications across various industries. Its ability to absorb neutrons makes it a critical component in control rods used in nuclear reactors. Hafnium's high melting point and corrosion resistance also make it suitable for use in high-temperature alloys and ceramics.

In the electronics industry, hafnium is used in the production of microprocessors and other semiconductor devices. Hafnium oxide (HfO₂) is employed as a high-k dielectric material in CMOS technology, which helps improve the performance and efficiency of electronic devices.

Isotopes

Hafnium has 34 known isotopes, ranging from Hf-153 to Hf-186. Among these, six are stable: Hf-174, Hf-176, Hf-177, Hf-178, Hf-179, and Hf-180. The most abundant isotope is Hf-180, which accounts for approximately 35% of natural hafnium. Radioactive isotopes of hafnium have applications in scientific research and medical diagnostics.

Health and Safety

Hafnium is considered to have low toxicity, but its compounds should be handled with care to avoid inhalation or ingestion. Inhalation of hafnium dust or fumes can cause respiratory irritation. Proper safety measures, including the use of personal protective equipment, should be employed when handling hafnium and its compounds.

See Also

• Zirconium
• Transition Metals
• Nuclear Reactor