Characterization of Nb22O54 microrods grown from niobium oxide powders recovered from mine tailings. Issue 10 (15th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sotillo, B.; López, F.A.; Alcaraz, L.; Fernández, P.
• Is Part Of: Ceramics international. Volume 47:Issue 10(2021)Part A
• Page Start: 13859
• Page End: 13864
• Publication Date: 2021-05-15
• Subjects: Niobium oxide -- Mine tailings -- Electron microscopy -- Raman spectroscopy -- Optical properties; Ceramics -- Periodicals; Céramique industrielle -- Périodiques; Ceramics; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 666
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2021.01.252
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0272-8842

Abstract

Abstract: In this work, the possibility of using niobium oxide recovered from tailings from the Penouta Sn–Nb–Ta deposit (located at the North of Spain) as starting material for growing microstructures is demonstrated. The properties of the starting material have been studied to understand its crystal structure, quality and purity. Recovered niobium oxide powders are mainly of TT-Nb2 O5 . These powders have been used to grow Nb22 O54 microrods by an evaporation method in an argon atmosphere. Different characterization techniques (X-Ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy, luminescence) have been used to determine the properties of Nb22 O54 microrods, mainly focusing on the crystal quality and refractive index. The present study opens the way to the transformation of waste (mine tailings) into a material of high technological value as niobium oxide, and its reintroduction into the value chain for a wide range of applications, from coatings to batteries and supercapacitors.