Terbium(III) oxide explained

Terbium(III) oxide, also known as terbium sesquioxide, is a sesquioxide of the rare earth metal terbium, having chemical formula . It is a p-type semiconductor, which conducts protons, which is enhanced when doped with calcium.^[1] It may be prepared by the reduction of in hydrogen at 1300 °C for 24 hours.^[2]

It is a basic oxide and easily dissolved to dilute acids, and then almost colourless terbium salt is formed.

Tb₂O₃ + 6 H⁺ → 2 Tb³⁺ + 3 H₂O

The crystal structure is cubic and the lattice constant is a = 1057 pm.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Solid State Ionics. 176. 39 - 40. December 2005. 2957 - 2961. 10.1016/j.ssi.2005.09.030. Elsevier B.V.. Proton conductivity of Ca-doped . Reidar Haugsrud . Yngve Larring . Truls Norby . amp .
2. Journal of Applied Crystallography. 4. 5. October 1971. 399 - 400. 10.1107/S0021889871007295. Crystal data on C-type terbium sesquioxide . G. J. McCarthy.
3. N. C. Baenzinger, H. A. Eick, H. S. Schuldt, L. Eyring: Terbium Oxides. III. X-Ray Diffraction Studies of Several Stable Phases. In: Journal of the American Chemical Society, 1961, 83, 10, S. 2219-23.