Gadolinium(III) nitrate is an inorganic compound of gadolinium. This salt is used as a water-soluble neutron poison in nuclear reactors.[1] Gadolinium nitrate, like all nitrate salts, is an oxidizing agent.

The most common form of this substance is hexahydrate Gd(NO3)3•6H2O with molecular weight 451.36 g/mol and CAS Number: 19598-90-4.[1]

Use

Gadolinium nitrate was used at the Savannah River Site heavy water nuclear reactors and had to be separated from the heavy water for storage or reuse.[2][3] The Canadian CANDU reactor, a pressurized heavy water reactor, also uses gadolinium nitrate as a water-soluble neutron poison in heavy water.

Gadolinium nitrate is also used as a raw material in the production of other gadolinium compounds, for production of specialty glasses and ceramics and as a phosphor.

References

  1. ^ DOE Fundamentals Handbook: Nuclear Physics and Reactor Theory (PDF). U.S. Department of Energy. January 1993. p. 31. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-04-23. Retrieved 2007-09-26.
  2. ^ E. Wilde; C. Berry. "Novel Method for Removing Gadolinium from Used Heavy Water Reactor Moderator".
  3. ^ E.W. Wilde; M.B. Goli; C.J. Berry; J.W. Santo Domingo; H.L. Martin. "Novel Method for Removing Gadolinium from Used Heavy Water Reactor Moderator" (PDF).