Large Particle Size Cerium Carbonate

Rare Earth Carbonates

Large Particle Size Cerium Carbonate, chemically represented as Ce₂(CO₃)₃ (primarily cerium(III) carbonate, the stable trivalent form), is a specialized variant of cerium carbonate distinguished by its significantly larger particle size—typically ranging from 500 μm to 5 mm (or 30–40 mesh, far coarser than standard fine-particle cerium carbonate of 100–500 mesh). This unique physical trait, combined with the inherent stability of cerium(III) (consistent +3 oxidation state) and low aqueous solubility, makes it ideal for applications requiring controlled dissolution, minimal dust generation, and structural integrity—such as ceramic sintering, metallurgical additives, and bulk catalyst supports. Unlike fine-particle cerium carbonate, which is prone to agglomeration and dust-related handling issues, large-particle variants offer enhanced flowability, easier dosing, and reduced environmental and health risks from airborne particles.

Commercially, Large Particle Size Cerium Carbonate is categorized into grades based on particle size distribution, purity, and application needs. High-Purity Large-Particle Grade, with a purity of ≥99.99% (4N) and particle sizes concentrated in the 1–3 mm range, is engineered for advanced ceramic and electronic applications—where both large particle structure and ultra-low impurities (e.g.,<10 ppb heavy metals like iron, copper; <5 ppb other rare earths like lanthanum, neodymium) are critical to avoid defects in finished products. Technical Large-Particle Grade, with a purity of 95.0%–99.0% and broader particle size ranges (500 μm–5 mm), prioritizes cost-effectiveness for industrial uses like metallurgical fluxes and bulk water treatment. Reagent-Grade Large-Particle Grade, meeting ≥99.0% purity and controlled particle sizes (1–2 mm), is used in laboratory-scale high-temperature reactions where dust-free handling and uniform reaction kinetics are required. At standard temperature and pressure, Large Particle Size Cerium Carbonate exists as white to pale yellow dense granules or irregularly shaped pellets—its larger form eliminates the fine powder texture of standard cerium carbonate, and its light color stems from weak visible light absorption by its ionic crystal structure, ensuring easy visual identification during processing.

Physically, Large Particle Size Cerium Carbonate exhibits traits tailored to its coarse structure and application demands. It has a molecular weight of 460.25 g/mol (identical to standard cerium carbonate) but differs significantly in bulk density: while fine-particle cerium carbonate has a bulk density of ~2.6 g/cm³, large-particle variants have a higher bulk density of 3.0–3.2 g/cm³ due to denser particle packing, reducing storage volume and improving handling efficiency. A defining physical property is its minimal dust generation: the large particle size (≥500 μm) prevents airborne dispersion, a key advantage over fine powders that pose inhalation risks and require specialized dust collection systems. Its solubility mirrors that of standard cerium carbonate—extremely low in water (~0.001 g/100 mL at 20°C) but highly soluble in strong acids (e.g., hydrochloric, nitric) to form soluble cerium(III) salts. However, the large particle size slows dissolution rates, enabling controlled release of Ce³⁺ ions—critical for applications like sustained-release water treatment or gradual sintering aid activation. Thermal stability is consistent with standard cerium carbonate: it decomposes at 300–400°C to form cerium(III) oxide (Ce₂O₃) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), with further oxidation to cerium(IV) oxide (CeO₂) above 600°C. The large particle structure retains integrity during initial heating, avoiding premature powdering and ensuring uniform thermal decomposition.

Chemically, Large Particle Size Cerium Carbonate retains the core reactivity of standard cerium(III) carbonate but with kinetics modified by particle size. It is stable in air and inert to most organic solvents under normal conditions, with reactivity limited to strong acids and high temperatures. When reacted with strong acids, the large particle surface area (lower specific surface area than fine powders) results in slower but more controlled reactions—for example, with nitric acid: Ce₂(CO₃)₃ + 6HNO₃ → 2Ce(NO₃)₃ + 3CO₂↑ + 3H₂O. This controlled reactivity prevents acid splashing and ensures complete conversion without excess acid consumption. Thermal decomposition follows the same pathway as fine-particle cerium carbonate but with reduced gas evolution rates, minimizing pressure buildup in sealed sintering furnaces. Unlike cerium(IV) compounds, it is not a strong oxidizer, reducing the risk of hazardous reactions with organic materials—an advantage in bulk handling scenarios. The large particle structure also resists hydrolysis: while fine cerium carbonate may absorb moisture to form loose aggregates, large particles have a lower surface area-to-volume ratio, limiting moisture absorption and maintaining structural integrity in humidity up to 60%.

The industrial production of Large Particle Size Cerium Carbonate builds on standard cerium carbonate synthesis but adds a specialized granulation step to achieve coarse particles. The process involves four core steps. First, raw material purification: high-purity cerium(III) oxide (Ce₂O₃, ≥99.9% purity) is dissolved in dilute hydrochloric acid to form a cerium(III) chloride solution, which undergoes solvent extraction to remove impurities (e.g., other rare earths, heavy metals). Second, precipitation: a concentrated ammonium carbonate ((NH₄)₂CO₃) solution is added to the purified cerium(III) chloride solution at 20–40°C (pH 7–8) to form fine cerium carbonate precipitates (Ce₂(CO₃)₃↓). The precipitates are filtered and washed to remove residual salts. Third, granulation: the wet fine-particle cerium carbonate is mixed with a small amount of organic binder (e.g., polyvinyl alcohol, PVA,<1% by weight) to enhance cohesion, then processed through a pelletizer or extrusion-granulator to form granules of the target size (500 μm–5 mm). The granules are dried at 80–120°C to remove moisture and cure the binder, which is later burned off during subsequent high-temperature use (e.g., ceramic sintering) without leaving residues. Fourth, sizing and quality control: the dried granules are screened to separate particle size fractions (e.g., 1–3 mm for high-purity grade), with undersized particles recycled to the granulation step. The final product is packaged in moisture-proof, rigid containers to prevent particle breakage during transport.

Large Particle Size Cerium Carbonate’s applications focus on leveraging its coarse structure, controlled reactivity, and low dust generation. In advanced ceramics, high-purity large-particle grade is used as a sintering aid for alumina and zirconia ceramics: the large particles distribute evenly in ceramic green bodies, and their gradual decomposition (300–400°C) releases CO₂ to create controlled porosity, reducing sintering shrinkage and improving mechanical strength. The resulting ceramics are used in high-temperature structural components (e.g., furnace liners, engine parts) where uniform porosity and strength are critical. In metallurgy, technical-grade large-particle carbonate serves as a cerium additive for steel and aluminum alloys: the coarse particles are easily dosed into molten metal, and their slow dissolution ensures uniform cerium distribution, which refines grain structure and enhances alloy corrosion resistance. In water treatment, it is used for sustained phosphate removal: large particles in filtration beds release Ce³⁺ ions gradually, reacting with PO₄³⁻ to form insoluble cerium phosphate (CePO₄) without clogging filters (a common issue with fine powders). In catalyst manufacturing, it acts as a bulk support for noble metal catalysts (e.g., platinum for automotive exhaust): the large particle structure provides mechanical stability in catalyst beds, while its decomposition to CeO₂ creates a high-surface-area support for active metals. Additionally, it is used in laboratory-scale solid-state reactions (e.g., ceramic powder synthesis) where dust-free handling and uniform mixing with other large-particle reactants are required.

Safety-wise, Large Particle Size Cerium Carbonate is safer to handle than fine-particle variants but still requires basic precautions. Its large particle size eliminates inhalation risks from dust, but direct skin or eye contact with particles can cause mild irritation (due to Ce³⁺ ions). The granules are non-flammable and stable under normal storage, but decomposition at >300°C releases CO₂, which is non-toxic but may displace oxygen in confined spaces. To ensure safety, operators should wear nitrile gloves and safety goggles when handling (lab coats are optional for large particles, unlike fine powders that require full PPE). Storage should be in a cool (15–25°C), dry (<60% humidity) area in rigid, moisture-proof containers to prevent particle breakage and moisture absorption. Unlike fine cerium carbonate, it does not require airtight storage for dust control, but moisture-proofing prevents minor hygroscopic agglomeration. In case of skin contact, rinse with water for 10 minutes; for eye contact, flush with water and seek medical attention if irritation persists. Ingestion is unlikely due to large particle size, but medical help should be sought if it occurs. When stored properly, Large Particle Size Cerium Carbonate has a shelf life of 3–4 years (longer than fine-particle grade’s 2–3 years) because the large structure resists degradation and moisture-induced caking. Expired products may show minor surface discoloration (pale yellowing) but retain functionality if particle integrity is maintained.

Descriptive:  WNX employs advanced automated production technology and uses high-quality raw materials to produce high-qualityLarge Particle Size Cerium Carbonate.

Key Features:

High Purity:Large Particle Size Cerium Carbonate contains no impurities from rare earth elements (such as iron, calcium, sodium), and the impurity content is low.

Good Solubility:Large Particle Size Cerium Carbonate can dissolve rapidly in water and strong acids.

Consistency: The strict batch management in the production ofLarge Particle Size Cerium Carbonate ensures stable quality for industrial large-scale production.

Chemical industry catalyst: Large-particle cerium carbonate is an important precursor material for preparing automotive exhaust three-way catalysts. Through high-temperature calcination, it can be transformed into cerium oxide with high oxygen storage capacity, thereby effectively promoting the catalytic purification reactions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides.

Efficient Phosphorus Removal Agent: Based on the high affinity between cerium ions and phosphate ions, large-particle cerium carbonate can be used as a phosphorus removal agent for water treatment and the restoration of eutrophic water bodies. Its large particle size enables better sedimentation performance in practical applications, facilitating separation and recovery, and effectively reducing the total phosphorus concentration in the effluent to an extremely low level (e.g., from 0.55 mg-P/L to≤ 0.03 mg-P/L).

Ceramics and Polishing Materials: Large-grained cerium carbonate is a key raw material for manufacturing special ceramics (such as electronic ceramics) and high-performance polishing powders. Its larger particle size helps to achieve a smoother polishing surface, which is crucial in the chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of optical glass and semiconductor wafers. It can also be used as an additive in hard alloys to enhance the material's performance.

Chemical synthesis intermediates: As an important precursor for cerium compounds, large-grained cerium carbonate is used to synthesize various cerium salts (such as cerium nitrate, cerium chloride, etc.) and ultimately to prepare high-purity cerium oxide. By strictly controlling the precipitation conditions (such as the concentration of the rare earth solution, reaction temperature, and aging time), the particle size of the product can be controllably adjusted (the central particle size D50 can reach approximately 150μm), meeting the specific requirements of different downstream applications for the particle size of the raw materials.

1.Neutral labels/packaging (jumbo bag of 1.000kg each net),Two bags per pallet.

2.Vacuum-sealed, then wrapped in air cushion bags, and finally packed into iron drums.

Drum: Steel drums (open-top, 45L capacity, dimensions: φ365mm × 460mm / inner diameter × outer height).

Weight per Drum: 50 kg

Palletization: 18 drums per pallet (total 900 kg/pallet).

Transport Class: Maritime transportation / Air transportation

Custom packaging available upon request