Vanadium
Recently, the union Minister for Power inaugurated India’s first MWh-scale Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) system at NTPC’s NETRA (Noida).
About Vanadium
Vanadium(V) is a hard, silvery-grey transition metal with the atomic number 23, known for its corrosion resistance and ability to form strong alloys and vibrantly colored compounds. It is a critical component in steel production and increasingly important for large-scale energy storage.
Key Properties
Vanadium is a malleable and ductile metal that is rarely found in its pure, free elemental form in nature.
| Property |
Value |
Source |
| Atomic Number |
23 |
|
| Symbol |
V |
|
| Atomic Weight |
50.9415 u |
|
| Appearance |
Silvery-gray metal |
|
| Melting Point |
1910 °C (3470 °F) |
|
| Boiling Point |
3407 °C (6165 °F) |
|
| Density |
6.11 g/cm³ |
|
| Oxidation States |
+2, +3, +4, +5 |
|
A distinctive characteristic of vanadium is its ability to exist in multiple oxidation states, which form compounds of various vivid colors in aqueous solution: violet (+2), green (+3), blue (+4), and yellow (+5).
Occurrence and Production
Vanadium is the 20th to 22nd most abundant element in the Earth's crust and is found in approximately 65 different minerals, including vanadinite, carnotite, and patronite. It is also present in some iron ores, phosphate rock, and fossil fuel deposits such as crude oil and coal.
The majority of the world's vanadium production comes from China, South Africa, and Russia. It is often obtained as a byproduct of iron and steel production or uranium mining.
Primary Uses
Approximately 85% of produced vanadium is used as an additive to steel, forming an alloy called ferrovanadium.
- Steel Alloys: Small additions of vanadium significantly increase the strength, toughness, and heat resistance of steel, making it ideal for axles, crankshafts, gears, high-speed tools, and surgical instruments.
- Aerospace: Alloys with titanium and aluminum are used in jet engines and airframes due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio.
- Energy Storage: Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) use vanadium's various oxidation states for large-scale, long-duration grid energy storage. These water-based batteries are safe and non-flammable.
- Catalysis: Vanadium pentoxide (?2?5) is a crucial catalyst in the industrial production of sulfuric acid, and in the manufacture of certain dyes and ceramics.
Nuclear Applications: Vanadium alloys are used in nuclear reactors due to their low neutron-absorbing properties.
Biological Role and Toxicity
- Vanadium is considered a trace mineral and might be essential in very small quantities for humans, though its exact function is unclear. It can be found in common foods like mushrooms, shellfish, and black pepper.
However, vanadium and its compounds can be toxic in larger doses. High exposure, especially to dust or fumes, can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, and potentially cause damage to the kidneys or nervous system. Some studies suggest vanadium compounds may have an insulin-enhancing effect, but they are not approved for general medical use and should be monitored carefully by a healthcare professional if taken as supplements.
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