Tantalum, easy as Pi: understanding differences in metal-imido bonding towards improving Ta/Nb separations.

ABSTRACT: The separation and purification of niobium and tantalum, which co-occur in natural sources, is difficult due to their similar physical and chemical properties. The current industrial method for separating Ta/Nb mixtures uses an energy-intensive process with caustic and toxic conditions. It is of interest to develop alternative, fundamental methodologies for the purification of these technologically important metals that improve upon their environmental impact. Herein, we introduce new Ta/Nb imido compounds: M( ^t BuN)(TriNOx) (1-M) bound by the TriNOx^3- ligand and demonstrate a fundamental, proof-of-concept Ta/Nb separation based on differences in the imido reactivities. Despite the nearly identical structures of 1-M, density functional theory (DFT)-computed ele

SUBMITTER: Weberg AB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9200122 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature