Niobium uses and applications
Niobium, a versatile transition metal, has found numerous uses and applications across various industries. Its exceptional properties make it highly sought after, particularly in the field of battery technology.
In this guide we’ll discuss the following:
One of Niobium’s main uses is as an alloying element in steel products, where the addition of a very small amount (~0.1%), produces a large performance improvement, enabling stronger and safer steel structures. More recently, niobium has been used in new applications, including energy storage.
Niobium-containing materials are proving to have a significant impact on the performance of batteries, greatly enhancing their storage and power capacity and our XNO® technology is one of the most noteworthy developments.
We outperform typical lithium-ion batteries in terms of performance and efficiency by leveraging its unique properties.
History of niobium discovery and use
Niobium, a chemical element with the symbol Nb, has a fascinating history of discovery and use. Its significance in various industries, including
Stainless steel
Superalloys
Niobium was first discovered in the late 18th century by English chemist Charles Hatchett. He initially named it "columbium" to honour Christopher Columbus. However, confusion prevailed, and it wasn't until the mid-20th century that the element was officially renamed niobium.
The importance of choosing the right anode material
Choosing the right anode material is a must in niobium battery technology for optimising performance and efficiency. The anode plays a critical role in the battery's electrochemical reactions, impacting the overall battery performance and its ability to store and deliver energy effectively.
Several key factors need to be considered when selecting anode materials in niobium batteries.
Corrosion resistance maintains anode stability, minimising degradation and extending battery performance.
Stability is essential for the anode material to endure charge cycles, ensuring consistent battery performance over time.
High conductivity in the chosen anode material enables efficient electron transfer, reducing energy losses and enhancing overall battery efficiency.
These qualities make niobium an ideal option for anode materials, leading to longer battery lifespans, improved energy storage, and enhanced overall battery efficiency.
Types of niobium alloys
Niobium alloys, comprising niobium as the primary element along with elements like:
Iron
Titanium
Zirconium
Tantalum
These alloys, which include High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA) columbium-vanadium structural steel and niobium-titanium alloy, are used in infrastructure, superconducting magnets, aerospace, and superalloy production, significantly contributing to technological advancements and industrial development.
Some of the various applications of niobium alloys include:
1. Stainless steels
Niobium enhances stainless steel with superior corrosion resistance and mechanical properties, ideal for various applications in buildings and bridges.
2. Refractory metals
Niobium-based alloys excel in extreme conditions in industries such as aerospace and nuclear reactors due to their heat and corrosion resistance properties.
3. Niobium compounds and minerals
Niobium compounds, including niobium oxide and lithium niobate, are essential in various industries for corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity.
4. Formation of niobium meta
Niobium is extracted from ores like columbite and pyrochlore through a multi-step process, resulting in the production of niobium metal for industrial applications.
5. Layered niobium sulfide
Layered niobium sulfide contributes to the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of stainless steel alloys and superalloys, crucial in industries such as steelmaking and electrical capacitors.
6. Anodised niobium oxide films
Anodised niobium oxide films offer exceptional corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity, making them valuable for aerospace components, electronic devices, and optical industries.
Uses of niobium and its applications
Niobium is widely used in various fields due to its incredible corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity. Which highlights its critical importance in maintaining protection and great performance.
Gas Pipelines: Niobium's high melting point and corrosion resistance ensure efficient and safe gas transportation in pipelines.
Nuclear Reactors: Its corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity contribute to safe operation within nuclear reactors.
Lithium Niobate: Used in electro-optical modulators and piezoelectric transducers in various industries, including electronics and telecommunications.
Magnetic Fields: Niobium's superconductive properties contribute to stable magnetic field production in healthcare and scientific research.
Thermal Expansion: Niobium alloys' low coefficient of thermal expansion ensures dimensional stability in applications where precise tolerances and high-temperature processing are crucial.
Niobium's versatility across industries
Niobium's unique properties, such as high strength and low thermal expansion, make it indispensable in the aerospace and energy industries. Its applications extend to nuclear reactors, architectural requirements, and magnetic fields, highlighting its versatility across various sectors.
Electrifying heavy-duty applications
Echion’s battery anode materials deliver exceptionally long cycle life, superfast charging capability, and outstanding safety. This leads to uniquely high operational efficiencies and record low total cost of ownership, which enables end users to sustainably electrify heavy-duty transport and industrial applications.
Aerospace
In aerospace, niobium's heat resistance benefits jet engines and aero-engine parts, ensuring performance in extreme conditions.
Electronics
Niobium enhances capacitors, electronic tubes, and optoelectronics, improving functionality and reliability in electronic devices.
Superconducting Materials
Niobium-based superconductors power MRI machines and generators, aiding medical diagnostics and energy efficiency.
Atomic Energy
Niobium's thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance are crucial for nuclear reactors and heat exchangers, ensuring safety and efficiency.
Medical
Niobium's corrosion resistance and biocompatibility make it suitable for medical implants and radiation shielding materials, enhancing patient safety.
Chemical
Its unique chemical properties contribute to advancements in semiconductors, batteries, and superalloys.
Foundry
Niobium improves wear resistance and modifies graphite sheets in cast iron, enhancing automotive component durability.
Lighting
In sodium vapour street lamps and electrical applications, niobium supports efficient lighting technology.
Optical
Niobium's contribution to lenses with enhanced light transmittance improves optical device quality.
Benefits resulting from XNO®
| Improved Quality | Enhanced quality and performance of various products. |
|---|---|
| More Efficiency | Facilitates the development of smaller and more efficient capacitors. |
| Higher Strength | Contributes to the production of high-strength, low-alloy steels. |
| Greater Resistance | Provides heat resistance and thermal expansion control. |
| Technology advancement | Contributes to the overall advancement and efficiency of various processes. |
The role of niobium in sustainable batteries
The role of niobium in sustainable batteries is significant due to its corrosion-resistant properties and high melting point. These characteristics make niobium an ideal material for improving the performance and longevity of batteries.
Environmental Impact
Niobium contributes to the reduction of the carbon footprint of batteries by enabling the production of long-lasting batteries with increased energy storage capacity, aligning with the sustainable goal of minimising environmental impact.
Waste Reduction
By enhancing battery performance and lifespan, niobium helps decrease the frequency of battery replacements, thereby reducing resource consumption and minimising waste.
Echion's niobium-based anode materials
Echion has harnessed the exceptional properties of niobium to create advanced anode materials with far-reaching benefits across various industries. This enables us to enhance energy storage applications such as batteries, capacitors fuel cells and catalysts.
Through careful composition adjustments, these anode materials offer improved capacity, durability, and efficiency as well as higher energy density leading to more compact batteries.
Safe, fast-charging, long-life Li-ion batteries with XNO® anode materials >