The article discusses the significance of Promethium, a rare earth element (element 61) and its elusive nature in scientific research. Known for its purple glow, Promethium’s properties have remained largely unstudied due to its rarity and radioactivity. While it has been recognized since 1945, all of its isotopes are unstable, making chemical measurements challenging.
The article outlines the importance of rare earth elements (REEs), which are critical in modern technologies such as smartphones, electric vehicles, and military equipment. The extraction and refinement of these elements, predominantly sourced from China, pose environmental and geopolitical challenges.
Recent research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) successfully analyzed Promethium by creating specific ligands to bind with it in solution, allowing for the measurement of its bond lengths with surrounding oxygen atoms. This study filled a critical gap in the understanding of lanthanide contraction, a phenomenon affecting ionic size among rare earth elements.
Promethium-147 is particularly valuable for its stable beta radiation, used in applications like nuclear batteries for pacemakers and spacecraft instruments. The research aims to improve separation methods of lanthanides, which is essential for optimizing their use in advanced technologies. The findings underscore the importance of Promethium, providing a clearer understanding of its chemical behavior and potential applications in future technologies. The study was published in Nature.
