Cerium Nitrate

Rare Earth Nitrates

Cerium Nitrate, a versatile inorganic compound with two primary valence states—cerium(III) nitrate (Ce(NO₃)₃) and cerium(IV) nitrate (Ce(NO₃)₄)—is a key member of the cerium salt family. Among them, cerium(III) nitrate is the more stable and commercially prevalent form, valued for its high aqueous solubility, consistent +3 oxidation state, and broad applicability across industries. Cerium(IV) nitrate, by contrast, is thermally unstable (decomposing above 100°C) and highly reactive, limited to specialized redox reactions. This introduction focuses on cerium(III) nitrate, which exists primarily in hydrated forms (e.g., Ce(NO₃)₃·6H₂O, hexahydrate) for most applications, while anhydrous Ce(NO₃)₃ is used in moisture-sensitive processes. With base purities ranging from 95% (technical grade) to 99.999% (ultra-high purity), it retains cerium(III)’s inherent chemical stability and compatibility with polar solvents, making it indispensable in materials synthesis, optics, catalysis, and laboratory research.

Commercially, Cerium Nitrate is categorized by purity, hydration state, and particle size to match application needs. Technical Grade (purity 95.0%–99.0%, typically hexahydrate) prioritizes cost-efficiency for industrial uses like catalyst precursors, ceramic glazes, and wastewater treatment. Reagent Grade (purity ≥99.0%, hexahydrate or anhydrous) meets laboratory standards for analytical chemistry, small-scale synthesis, and lanthanide coordination research. High-Purity Grade (purity ≥99.99%, anhydrous or low-hydrate) targets electronics and optics, including thin-film deposition precursors and semiconductor dopants—where trace impurities (e.g.,<10 ppb heavy metals, <5 ppb other rare earths) must be minimized. Ultra-High Purity Grade (purity ≥99.999%, anhydrous) is a niche grade for quantum dots and advanced optoelectronics, with impurity levels near detection limits. At standard temperature and pressure, cerium (III) nitrate hexahydrate appears as colorless to pale yellow needle-like crystals, while anhydrous Ce (NO₃)₃ is a white crystalline powder. Its light color and solubility make it easy to identify and handle, with hydration state distinguishable via thermal analysis (hexahydrate loses 结晶 water at 50–100°C).

Physically, Cerium Nitrate exhibits traits tailored to its hydration state and application. The hexahydrate (Ce (NO₃)₃・6H₂O) has a molecular weight of 433.01 g/mol, a bulk density of ~1.88 g/cm³, and particle sizes ranging from 100–200 mesh for crystalline solids. Anhydrous Ce (NO₃)₃ has a molecular weight of 324.92 g/mol, a higher bulk density of ~2.05 g/cm³, and finer particle sizes (200–300 mesh) for anhydrous processes. A defining physical property is its exceptional solubility: hexahydrate dissolves in water at ~120 g/100 mL (20°C), forming clear, colorless solutions—critical for wet chemical synthesis and aqueous catalysis. Anhydrous Ce (NO₃)₃ is also highly soluble in anhydrous polar solvents (e.g., ethanol, acetonitrile), with solubility ~80 g/100 mL in anhydrous ethanol, enabling moisture-sensitive reactions. Thermal stability varies by hydration state: hexahydrate decomposes gradually above 50°C (losing 结晶 water) and fully decomposes to cerium oxide (CeO₂) above 600°C; anhydrous Ce (NO₃)₃ melts at ~400°C (with decomposition), making it suitable for high-temperature molten salt processes. Both forms exhibit moderate hygroscopicity—hexahydrate absorbs moisture to retain its crystalline structure, while anhydrous Ce (NO₃)₃ absorbs water to form lower hydrates, requiring sealed storage.

Chemically, Cerium Nitrate is defined by its stability (for Ce³⁺) and redox versatility. Cerium(III) nitrate is stable under normal conditions, dissociating completely in aqueous or polar solvents into Ce³⁺ and NO₃⁻ ions. It reacts with strong bases (e.g., sodium hydroxide) to form insoluble cerium(III) hydroxide (Ce(OH)₃) precipitates (Ce(NO₃)₃ + 3NaOH → Ce(OH)₃↓ + 3NaNO₃), a reaction used in analytical chemistry for cerium separation. With carbonate salts (e.g., ammonium carbonate), it forms cerium(III) carbonate (Ce₂(CO₃)₃), another insoluble product. When heated, it undergoes thermal decomposition: first losing water (for hydrates), then releasing nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and oxygen, ultimately forming CeO₂—a pathway widely used to synthesize high-purity cerium oxide. Unlike cerium(IV) compounds, Ce(III) nitrate is a mild reducing agent, oxidizing to Ce⁴⁺ with strong oxidizers (e.g., hydrogen peroxide), expanding its utility in redox reactions while avoiding hazardous oxidizing behavior under normal conditions.

The industrial production of Cerium Nitrate primarily uses cerium-rich raw materials, such as purified cerium (III) oxide (Ce₂O₃) or cerium-containing rare earth concentrates, via acid dissolution. The process involves four core steps. First, raw material purification: if using rare earth concentrates, they undergo solvent extraction to separate cerium from other rare earths, yielding a purified cerium (III) solution (typically chloride or sulfate). If using Ce₂O₃, it is crushed to 100–200 mesh to increase acid contact. Second, acid reaction: the purified raw material is mixed with dilute nitric acid (HNO₃, 30%–50% concentration) in a reaction vessel at 60–80°C, with a molar ratio of Ce₂O₃ to HNO₃ of 1:6. The exothermic reaction (Ce₂O₃ + 6HNO₃ → 2Ce (NO₃)₃ + 3H₂O) is cooled to prevent HNO₃ evaporation and NOₓ emissions. Third, purification and crystallization: the resulting solution is filtered to remove undissolved impurities, then concentrated under reduced pressure (60–70°C) to 50%–60% concentration. For hexahydrate, the concentrate is cooled to 0–5°C to crystallize; for anhydrous Ce (NO₃), the hexahydrate is dried at 120–150°C to remove surface moisture, then heated to 200–250°C under dry nitrogen to eliminate residual 结晶 water. Fourth, finishing: crystals or powder are crushed, screened to target particle size, and packaged in moisture-proof containers (e.g., polyethylene bags with desiccants) to maintain hydration state.

Cerium Nitrate’s applications span industries, driven by its solubility and reactivity. In materials synthesis, it is a key precursor for cerium oxide (CeO₂): thermal decomposition produces CeO₂ used in solid oxide fuel cells (electrolytes), automotive exhaust catalysts (NOₓ reduction), and glass polishing agents. In optics, High-Purity Grade is doped into optical glass to enhance UV absorption and refractive index—used in sunglasses, aerospace windows, and high-power laser lenses, where Ce³⁺ ions absorb UV light to protect materials or reduce glare. In catalysis, it acts as a catalyst or promoter: in organic synthesis, it catalyzes esterification and Friedel-Crafts reactions; in environmental catalysis, it enhances noble metal catalyst activity for VOC (volatile organic compound) oxidation. In laboratory settings, Reagent Grade is used for quantitative analysis (e.g., fluoride ion determination via CeF₃ precipitation) and lanthanide chemistry research. In wastewater treatment, it removes phosphate ions: Ce³⁺ reacts with PO₄³⁻ to form insoluble CePO₄, preventing eutrophication. Additionally, it is used in agriculture as a micronutrient additive (in trace amounts) to promote plant growth and stress resistance.

Safety-wise, Cerium Nitrate has low acute toxicity but requires proper handling. Its crystals or solutions can irritate skin and eyes: direct contact may cause redness or mild burns, especially at high concentrations. Inhalation of anhydrous powder dust irritates the respiratory tract, leading to coughing. While not highly flammable, thermal decomposition releases toxic NOₓ, which pose respiratory risks. To ensure safety, operators should wear nitrile gloves, safety goggles, and a lab coat (dust mask for anhydrous powder). When preparing solutions, work in a fume hood to avoid HNO₃ fumes or NOₓ from accidental decomposition. Storage should be in a cool (15–25°C), dry (<50% humidity) area, with hexahydrate stored to prevent drying and anhydrous Ce(NO₃)₃ sealed to avoid moisture absorption. It should be separated from strong bases, reducing agents, and combustibles. In case of skin contact, rinse with water for 15 minutes; eye contact requires flushing and medical attention. If inhaled, move to fresh air; if ingested, do not induce vomiting and consult a doctor. When stored properly, hexahydrate has a shelf life of 1–2 years, anhydrous Ce(NO₃)₃ 2–3 years. Expired products may show reduced solubility, caking, or discoloration (indicating Ce⁴⁺ formation) and should be tested before use.

Descriptive:  WNX employs advanced automated production technology and uses high-quality raw materials to produce high-qualityCerium Nitrate.

Key Features:

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

Good Solubility:Cerium Nitrate can dissolve rapidly in water and strong acids.

Consistency: The strict batch management in the production ofCerium Nitrate ensures stable quality for industrial large-scale production.

Chemical industry catalyst: Cerium nitrate acts as an effective Lewis acid catalyst and is used in the petroleum catalytic cracking (FCC) process to enhance fuel production efficiency. It is also employed in various organic synthesis reactions, such as facilitating the hydrolysis of phosphate esters. The cerium nitrate (IV) form (such as ammonium cerium nitrate) is a commonly used oxidant.

Pond Phosphorus Remover: Due to its chemical properties, cerium nitrate can effectively remove phosphate from water bodies through precipitation, which is helpful in addressing the problem of water body eutrophication.

Batteries and energy materials: Cerium nitrate is an important precursor for synthesizing cerium oxide (CeO₂), and cerium oxide is a key material for the electrolyte and catalyst of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). It can also be used to prepare nanostructured cerium oxide-based composite materials, which are applied in lithium-ion batteries and photocatalytic systems.

Chemical synthesis intermediates: As a crucial cerium source, cerium nitrate is widely used in the synthesis of other cerium compounds, such as cerium oxide, cerium-based phosphors, and cerium metal organic frameworks (MOFs). It is also a reagent for the determination of elements like lanthanum, praseodymium, and neodymium in spectroscopic analysis.

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).

Custom packaging available upon request