What Makes Tantalum Unique Among Transition Metals?
Tantalum is a chemical element represented by the symbol Ta and the atomic number is 73. Formerly known as tantalum, it is named after Tantalus, a Greek mythological villain. Tantalum is a highly corrosion-resistant, rare, strong, blue-grey, lustrous transition metal. It is part of the group of refractory metals that, in alloys, are commonly used as minor components. In Sweden, Tantalum was discovered in 1802 by Anders Ekeberg.
The electronic configuration of ta element is [Xe]4f145d36s2
The atomic mass is 180.948 g mol-1
In this article, we will study ta elements and Tantalum uses in detail.
Physical Properties of Tantalum
Tantalum belongs to group 5 and period 6. Tantalum is a d block element. It is solid at 20C.
Melting Point - 3017°C, 5463°F, 3290 K
Boiling Point - 5455°C, 9851°F, 5728 K
Density - 16.4
Relative Atomic Mass - 180.948
Tantalum is dark, dense, ductile, very hard, and is a good conductor of heat and electricity.
The metal is renowned for its resistance to acid corrosion; in fact, at temperatures below 150 °C, tantalum is almost entirely resistant to attacks by aqua regia that are typically violent.
Hydrofluoric acid or acidic solutions containing ion and sulfur trioxide fluoride, as well as a potassium hydroxide solution, may be dissolved.
It generally appears in the +5 oxidation state. It is considered to be one of the inert chemical components found on the earth.
Tantalum Uses
Electronics:
As a metal powder, the primary application of tantalum is in the manufacture of electronic parts, especially capacitors and some high-power resistors. Tantalum electrolytic capacitors exploit the propensity of tantalum to form a surface layer of protective oxide, using tantalum powder, pressed into a pellet shape, as one "plate" of the condenser, the dielectric oxide, and the other "plate" as an electrolytic solution or conductive solid. Since the dielectric layer can be very thin (thinner than the equivalent layer in an aluminium electrolytic capacitor, for instance), a small volume of high capacitance can be achieved.
Alloys:
Tantalum is also used to manufacture a variety of alloys with a high melting point, strength, and ductility. It is also used in the manufacture of carbide tools for metalworking equipment and the manufacture of superalloys for components of jet engines, chemical process equipment, nuclear reactors, missile parts, heat exchangers, tanks, and vessels. Tantalum can be drawn into fine wires or filaments that are used for evaporating metals such as aluminium because of its ductility. Tantalum is commonly used in making surgical instruments and implants because it prevents attack by body fluids and is non-irritating.
Other Uses :
In the development of vacuum furnace components, the high melting point and oxidation resistance contribute to the use of the metal.
Tantalum is highly inert and is thus formed into several parts that are resistant to corrosion, such as thermowell, valve bodies, and fasteners for tantalum.
The shaped charge and explosively designed penetrator liners were made from tantalum due to their high density.
Due to its elevated density and high melting point, tantalum significantly enhances the armour penetration capabilities of a shaped charge.
Tantalum is also highly bio-inert and is used as a material for orthopaedic implants. For hip replacement implants, the high stiffness of tantalum makes it possible to use it as a highly porous foam or scaffold with lower stiffness to prevent stress shielding. These implants are considered suitable for patients undergoing MRI procedures because tantalum is a non-ferrous, non-magnetic metal.
For camera lenses, the oxide is used to produce special high refractive index glass.
Did You Know?
Tantalum causes many health-related issues when inhaled, swallowed, or when absorbed into the skin, such as skin and eye irritation.
This metal is also toxic to the upper respiratory tract and also to mucous membranes.
This part could cause considerable environmental harm, so appropriate steps need to be taken before it is disposed of.
FAQs on Tantalum: Properties, Uses, and Applications in Chemistry
1. What are the key physical and chemical properties of Tantalum?
Tantalum is a rare, hard, blue-gray transition metal known for its unique properties.
- Physical Properties: It is highly ductile (can be drawn into a fine wire), dense, and has an extremely high melting point of 3017°C. It is also an excellent conductor of heat and electricity.
- Chemical Properties: Its most notable chemical property is its outstanding corrosion resistance. This is due to the formation of a very thin, protective oxide layer (tantalum pentoxide, Ta₂O₅) on its surface, making it inert to most acids below 150°C.
2. What are the main applications of Tantalum in modern technology?
Tantalum's primary application is in the electronics industry for manufacturing high-performance electrolytic capacitors. These are crucial components in devices like smartphones, laptops, and automotive electronics. Additionally, its high melting point and strength make it ideal for creating alloys used in jet engines and nuclear reactors. Due to its biocompatibility, it is also used for surgical implants and instruments.
3. Why is Tantalum so highly resistant to chemical corrosion?
Tantalum's exceptional corrosion resistance stems from a phenomenon called passivation. When exposed to air, it instantly forms a very thin, dense, and self-healing layer of tantalum pentoxide (Ta₂O₅) on its surface. This inert oxide film is extremely stable and acts as a barrier, preventing corrosive substances like acids from reaching and reacting with the pure metal underneath. The only common chemical that can attack it is hydrofluoric acid.
4. How does Tantalum's strength and durability compare to that of Tungsten?
While both are strong refractory metals, their properties differ significantly. Tungsten is harder, denser, and has a higher tensile strength, making it extremely resistant to wear and heat. However, it is also very brittle. In contrast, Tantalum is more ductile and malleable, making it much easier to work with and machine. It is shatterproof, unlike tungsten, which makes it more durable in applications where it might be subject to impact or vibration.
5. Is Tantalum considered toxic or safe for use inside the human body?
Tantalum is considered highly biocompatible and is non-toxic. It does not react with bodily fluids and is not rejected by the immune system. This excellent compatibility makes it a preferred material for medical applications, including:
- Surgical staples
- Bone plates and screws
- Porous implants to aid bone growth
- Wire meshes for nerve repair
6. How are the properties of Tantalum related to its position in the periodic table, especially concerning Niobium?
Tantalum (Ta) is in Group 5 of the periodic table, directly below Niobium (Nb). Due to an effect known as the lanthanide contraction, the atomic radii of Tantalum and Niobium are almost identical, despite Tantalum having an extra electron shell. This similarity in size leads to very similar chemical properties, making them chemical twins. Consequently, they often occur together in nature (as coltan) and are very difficult to separate from each other.
7. What is the difference between Tantalum and Tantalite?
The key difference is that Tantalum (Ta) is a pure chemical element, a metal. In contrast, Tantalite ((Fe, Mn)Ta₂O₆) is the primary mineral ore from which the element Tantalum is extracted. Tantalum does not occur freely in nature; it must be mined and refined from tantalite-bearing minerals. Tantalite is often found alongside a similar mineral, columbite, and the combined ore is commonly referred to as coltan.
8. What is a superalloy, and what role does Tantalum play in it?
A superalloy is a metallic alloy that can operate at very high temperatures and under significant mechanical stress. They are essential in aerospace for components like jet engine turbine blades. Tantalum is a key ingredient in many nickel-based superalloys. It adds high-temperature strength, improves resistance to creep (slow deformation under stress), and enhances corrosion resistance, thereby increasing the durability and efficiency of the engine components.
