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Hafnium
Basic Attributes
● Element symbol：Hf
● Atomic number：72
● Atomic weight：178.49
● Density：13.31 g/cm³（20°C）
● Melting point：2233°C
● Boiling point：4603°C
● Hardness：5.5（Moh's hardness）
Hafnium is chemically very stable, has antioxidant capacity, and is not easily reactive with air at room temperature. Hafnium and zirconium always coexist, with an average content of about 0.5-2% of zirconium, and the main mineral is zircon sand ore. Due to the very similar properties of hafnium and zirconium, the metallurgical separation process is very complex and technically difficult.
The uniqueness of hafnium
  • Neutron absorption performance： Hafnium element has extremely strong neutron absorption ability and has become a material for nuclear reactor control rods.
  • High temperature resistance： Hafnium has a melting point of up to 2233 ° C and is suitable for high temperature environments. Components of ultra-high temperature alloys.
  • Biocompatibility： Hafnium is almost non-toxic to living organisms and has good biocompatibility. It may be used in research on biomedical materials, but its application is currently limited.
Hafnium & Zirconium
Hafnium metal and its compounds have important applications in multiple high-tech and industrial fields due to their unique physical and chemical properties
The following are the main application scenarios and applications in various fields of hafnium metal and its compounds:
Nuclear industry
Neutron absorbing material: Hafnium has extremely high neutron absorption cross-section, high temperature resistance, and corrosion resistance, and is widely used in control rods and shielding materials for nuclear reactors. It is particularly critical in the control systems of nuclear power plants and nuclear submarines, as it can effectively control chain reactions and ensure the stable operation and safety of reactors.
EADS
High temperature alloy additive: Hafnium's high melting point and corrosion resistance make it a key additive element for high-temperature alloys in aircraft engines, rocket nozzles, and spacecraft casings. It can enhance the high-temperature oxidation resistance and mechanical strength of materials, keeping equipment stable in extreme environments and extending its service life.
Electronic industry
Semiconductor insulation layer: Hafnium oxide has high dielectric constant and thermal stability, and is a commonly used semiconductor gate insulation material in advanced microelectronics industry. It can reduce leakage current, improve chip efficiency, and support smaller transistor structures. It is one of the key materials in advanced processes.
Special Optics
Optical coating materials: Hafnium oxide and hafnium nitride have high refractive index and excellent wear resistance, and are commonly used as anti reflective coatings for laser systems, precision optical lenses, and satellite cameras. These coatings can effectively improve light transmittance, reduce reflection, and protect equipment from wear and tear in extreme environments.
Power industry
Doping agent for superconductors: Hafnium element can increase the critical temperature and current density of certain superconducting materials, and is therefore used as a doping agent for certain superconducting materials to improve their conductivity and durability. These superconducting materials are applied in advanced power equipment such as generators, cables, and maglev trains, promoting efficient energy transmission and the development of new power systems.
Biomedicine
Medical imaging enhancer: Hafnium compounds have excellent performance in X-ray absorption and are used as contrast materials for CT imaging to enhance image clarity. They are particularly suitable for vascular and soft tissue imaging, helping doctors obtain clearer image information and improve diagnostic accuracy.
Chemical catalysis
Special catalyst: Hafnium oxide is an efficient catalyst for special chemical reactions, widely used in the polymerization of ethylene and propylene. Its high catalytic activity can improve reaction efficiency and selectivity, promoting high-quality and efficient production of chemical products.
New energy industry
Solar conversion materials: Hafnium oxide and hafnium nitride are used as conversion materials in high-efficiency photovoltaic cells and thin-film solar cells.
High performance magnetic steel: Hafnium is used as an additive element in high-performance permanent magnet materials for new energy vehicles and wind power generation, which can enhance the high temperature resistance and demagnetization resistance of magnetic steel, and maintain stability of equipment such as motors and generators in extreme working environments.
Batteries and energy storage materials: Hafnium materials can be used in lithium batteries and new energy storage devices to improve the conductivity and durability of batteries.
Ship equipment
Corrosion resistant coating: Hafnium based alloy coating is widely used in key parts of ships and marine engineering equipment, such as gas turbine blades, exhaust pipes, etc. It has excellent corrosion resistance and can maintain structural stability in high temperature and seawater environments, extending equipment service life.
Corrosion resistant structural material: Hafnium alloy is used for corrosion-resistant steel plates, pipelines, and valves in ship hulls, offshore drilling platforms, and oil and gas pipelines. It can enhance the durability of equipment in complex marine environments, reduce maintenance frequency and costs.

The application of hafnium and its compounds in multiple fields not only demonstrates their excellent physical and chemical properties, but also promotes the progress of high-tech industries. Its high temperature corrosion resistance, high dielectric constant, and strong neutron absorption performance make it an irreplaceable material in multiple cutting-edge industries. With the advancement of technology, the prospects of these applications are constantly expanding

Development Prospect
Hafnium is one of the nine most strategically valuable elements for the next 100 years

·We will implement a number of forward-looking and strategic national major scientific and technological projects in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum information, and integrated circuits.

·We will focus on developing strategic emerging industries such as new generation information technology, biotechnology, and new energy, and accelerate the innovative application of key core technologies.

· Column on Enhancing Core Competitiveness in Manufacturing Industry: High end New Materials (High temperature Alloys, High purity Rare Metal Materials, High Performance Ceramics), Aircraft Engines, and Gas Turbines.

——Outline of the 14th Five Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development and Long Range Objectives by 2035

The future development direction of hafnium
The demand for hafnium in the nuclear industry is steadily increasing, while its applications in emerging high-tech fields such as semiconductors and coating materials are gradually expanding. With the increasing demand for high-temperature and high-strength materials, hafnium alloys and coating materials are expected to become one of the core materials in key technological fields.