7440-45-1

CAS Nr.:

7440-45-1

Cerium

EINECS Name:

Cerium

231-154-9

EINECS Nr.:

231-154-9

Cer (metallisch)

Synonym:

Cer (metallisch)

Cerium is an important chemical raw material that plays a significant role in various industries. The unique physical properties of cerium make it a versatile material with a wide range of applications.

Physical Properties of Cerium

Cerium is a silvery-white, soft metal with a density of about 6.77 g/cm³. It is characterized by high reactivity and is known for its excellent oxidation resistance. Cerium is capable of assuming various oxidation states, enabling its use in various chemical processes. Additionally, Cerium exhibits good malleability and can be easily processed into various forms.

Applications of Cerium

Cerium compounds are commonly used as catalysts in the chemical industry. They play a crucial role in accelerating chemical reactions and converting raw materials into valuable products. Particularly, cerium-based catalysts are used in environmental technology, such as vehicle exhaust aftertreatment, where they reduce harmful emissions and contribute to air purification.

Cerium oxide is frequently employed as a polishing agent in glass and ceramic manufacturing. Due to its high abrasion resistance and ability to uniformly polish surfaces, cerium oxide helps enhance the quality of glass and ceramic products. It is also utilized in the optics industry to refine the surfaces of lenses and prisms, optimizing their optical properties.

Another important application of cerium lies in glass manufacturing, where cerium compounds are used as colorants and glass correction agents. They impart various shades to the glass, ranging from yellow to orange to red, enabling the production of attractive and versatile glass products. Additionally, Cerium compounds enhance the light transmittance of glass and contribute to improving its optical properties.

Cerium is also utilized in the automotive industry as an alloying element, especially in lightweight metal alloys such as aluminum alloys. The addition of Cerium improves the strength, hardness, and ductility of the alloys, making them ideal for use in vehicle components such as engines, transmissions, and chassis parts. These alloys contribute to reducing vehicle weight and enabling improved fuel efficiency and performance.

Cerium is an extremely versatile chemical raw material with a multitude of applications in various industries. Its unique properties make it an indispensable material for the production of products that shape our daily lives and modern industry.