Rare earth oxides such as cerium oxide, neodymium oxide, yttrium oxide and europium oxide are used in phosphors, magnets, catalysts, glass polishing and solid oxide fuel cells. Purity is the first thing buyers compare, but rare earth purity is stated differently from most chemicals. This guide from Aritech Nanomaterials India explains how to read it.
What 3N, 4N and 5N mean
The “N” notation counts the nines in the purity figure:
- 3N = 99.9%
- 4N = 99.99%
- 5N = 99.999%
Each extra nine cuts the allowed impurity level by a factor of ten, which is why higher grades cost considerably more.
The REO basis
Rare earth purity is usually stated as X/TREO – the content of the named oxide relative to the total rare earth oxides (TREO) present. For example, “Nd2O3/TREO 99.99%” means that 99.99% of the rare earth oxide content is neodymium oxide. Non-rare-earth impurities such as Fe, Si, Ca or Na are listed separately on the Certificate of Analysis, so check both.
Which grade do you need?
| Application | Typical grade |
|---|---|
| Glass polishing, ceramics, general catalysts | 3N |
| Magnet and alloy research, fuel cells | 3N–4N |
| Phosphors and luminescent materials | 4N–5N |
| Laser crystals, optical and electronic materials | 5N |
In luminescent materials, even traces of another rare earth can quench or shift emission, so higher purity is often justified. For polishing or ceramics, 3N is usually sufficient.
Particle size
Rare earth oxides are offered as micron powders and as nanopowders. Nanopowders react and sinter at lower temperatures and are preferred for catalysts, doped ceramics and nanophosphors. State the particle size you need along with purity.
Storage
Most rare earth oxides are stable, but some, such as La2O3 and Nd2O3, slowly absorb moisture and carbon dioxide from air. Keep containers tightly closed in a dry place, and calcine before use if your process is sensitive to hydration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 99.99% the same as 4N?
Yes. 99.99% purity is described as 4N, meaning four nines.
Why is TREO content also listed on a COA?
TREO shows the total rare earth oxide content of the material, while the X/TREO figure shows how much of that is the named oxide. Together they describe the purity fully.
Can Aritech supply 5N rare earth oxides in India?
Many rare earth oxides are available up to 5N. Send the oxide, purity and quantity to sales@chemazone.in for an INR quotation.
Shop related materials in India
Browse these Aritech categories and popular products mentioned in this guide:
Popular products:
- Cerium oxide nanoparticles
- Praseodymium Oxide Powder
- Terbium Oxide (Tb4O7) Micron Powder
- Yttrium Oxide (Y2O3) Nanopowder/Nanoparticles
- Neodymium Oxide (Nd2O3) Micron Powder
- High Purity Dysprosium Oxide Powder
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Buy in India from Aritech
Aritech Nanomaterials India (Aritech Chemazone Pvt. Ltd., Kurukshetra) is the authorized Indian distributor of Nanochemazone® Canada. Send your product, quantity and delivery city to sales@chemazone.in or use our quotation form for an INR quotation with GST invoice.
