lutetiumoxide

Lutetium oxide, Lu2O3, is a white, high-melting-point rare-earth oxide of lutetium and the most stable oxide of this element. It is used as a starting material for preparing lutetium-containing materials and as a host lattice for phosphors and scintillators. At room temperature Lu2O3 adopts the cubic bixbyite crystal structure and is resistant to oxidation in air. The compound is insoluble in water and most organic solvents, reacting only with strong acids to form lutetium ions.

Production of Lu2O3 typically involves calcination of lutetium hydroxide or other lutetium salts at high temperatures. It is commonly obtained from processing rare-earth ore concentrates, such as monazite or xenotime, where lutetium is present with other lanthanides and is separated during refining.

Applications of Lu2O3 are concentrated in photonics and radiation detection. As a host lattice, it is used in doped forms such as Lu2O3:Ce, which are studied for red to orange-emitting phosphors. Lutetium-based scintillators, including lutetium oxyorthosilicate (Lu2SiO5:Ce, often abbreviated LSO) and related materials, are employed in gamma-ray detection and positron emission tomography (PET). Lu2O3 is also used as a high-temperature ceramic material and as a precursor for specialized optical glasses and other lutetium-containing compounds.

Safety considerations for Lu2O3 are similar to other rare-earth oxides. It has low acute toxicity, but inhalation of fine oxide dust should be avoided. Standard laboratory precautions and proper containment are advised when handling powders or performing high-temperature processing. There is no established essential biological role for lutetium.