Rare Metal Tantalum
Context:
- A team of researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Ropar has found the presence of tatalum, a rare metal, in the Sutlej river sand in Punjab.
- According to experts, the presence of tantalum is significant not only for Punjab but also India as the metal is widely used in electronics and semiconductors.
What is tantalum?
- Tantalum refers to a rare metal with the atomic number 73 — the number of protons found in one atom of the element.
- While Tantalum is grey, heavy and very hard, it is one of the most corrosion-resistant metals in use today.
- Interestingly, the rare metal possesses high corrosion resistance because when exposed to air, it forms an oxide layer that is extremely difficult to remove, even when it interacts with strong and hot acid environments.
- According to the US Department of Energy, it “is almost completely immune to chemical attack at temperatures below 150°C.
- However, tantalum also has an extremely high melting point (exceeded only by tungsten and rhenium).
When was tantalum first discovered?
- It should be mentioned that Tantalum was discovered by a Swedish chemist Anders Gustaf Ekenberg in 1802.
Uses:
- While Tantalum is most prominently used in the electronic sector, the capacitors made from it are capable of storing more electricity in smaller sizes without much leakage than any other type of capacitor.
- It makes the metal ideal for use in portable electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, and digital cameras.
- While Tantalum has a high melting point, it is frequently used as a substitute for platinum (which is more expensive).
- Tantalum is also used to make components for chemical plants, nuclear power plants, aeroplanes and missiles.
- It does not react with bodily fluids. It is also used to make surgical equipment and implants such as artificial joints.
Syllabus: Prelims
