Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Scientists Optimistic About Unique Violet-Glowing Rare Earth Element

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A recent study has successfully illuminated the elusive properties of promethium, element 61, which has puzzled scientists for decades. Known for its faint violet glow, promethium was the last of the lanthanides to be characterized due to its scarcity and radioactivity, leaving a significant gap in understanding rare earth elements (REEs) critical to modern technology. Utilizing a specially crafted ligand, researchers were able to safely dissolve promethium in water and accurately measure its bond length with surrounding oxygen, marking the first direct observation of its hydrated radius. This breakthrough not only fills a critical void in the periodic table but also enhances our ability to purify promethium for applications in nuclear batteries and advanced technologies. The findings are expected to contribute significantly to improvements in the sustainable sourcing and recycling of REEs, which play vital roles in everything from electric vehicles to medical devices.

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