NIOBIUM NITRIDE

'Niobium nitride' is a compound of niobium and nitrogen with the chemical formula NbN. At low temperatures, niobium nitride becomes a superconductor, and is used in detectors for infrared light.

Contents

Uses

Properties

Health

References

Uses

Niobium nitride's main use is as a superconductor. Detectors based on it can detect a single photon in the 3-10 micrometer section of the infrared spectrum, which is important for astronomy and telecomunications. It can detect changes up to 25 gigahertz.
Niobium nitride is also used in absorbing anti-reflective coatings.

Properties

Color: Gray
Melting Point: 2573°C
State: Solid at 25°C
Molecular Weight: 106.913
Density: 8.470 g/cc
Solubility: Insoluble
NFPA 704: Health 2, Fire 0, Reactivity 2
CAS Registry Number: 24621-21-4

Health

Niobium nitride reacts with water. Ammonia gas is a hazardous byproduct. Use goggles, a lab coat, gloves, and a respirator when working with niobium nitride.

References

★ Superconductors See the Light At Shorter Wavelengths

★ NbN Material Safety Data Sheet

★ Niobium nitride