Gadolinium oxide

Gadolinium oxide (CAS 12064-62-9), also known as gadolinia or gadolinium(III) oxide (Gd₂O₃), is a white, hygroscopic powder belonging to the rare earth oxides family.

Where is Gadolinium oxide used?

• Pharmaceutical and medical imaging: primary precursor for gadolinium chelate synthesis, the active component in MRI contrast agents
• Scintillator and phosphor host material, where luminescent efficiency depends on purity and consistent particle morphology
• Nuclear applications: qualified as a burnable neutron absorber; its high thermal neutron absorption cross-section makes it effective as a reactivity control additive in nuclear fuel pellets
• Oil, gas and energy: key electrolyte component in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs); gadolinium-doped ceria (GDC) electrolytes offer improved ionic conductivity at intermediate operating temperatures compared with undoped alternatives
• Electronics and photovoltaics: specialty optical glass formulations and dopant in phosphor systems requiring precise refractive index and transmission characteristics
• Catalysis: functional component in selected heterogeneous catalyst formulations across fine chemical and refining processes

Good to know: Stringent control of impurity profiles, particularly other rare earth and heavy metal content, is critical at this stage of the production chain. Material for nuclear use is typically supplied to specifications aligned with ASTM C888, which defines chemical and physical requirements for nuclear-grade gadolinium oxide powder.

Commercial specifications

• REACH registered
• Grades from standard to ultra-high purity; typical specifications on a rare earth oxide basis: Gd₂O₃/TREO ≥ 99.9 %, 99.99 %, 99.999 %, plus a dedicated nuclear grade; TREO typically ≥ 99 %
• Purity stated on a Gd₂O₃/TREO basis, with individual rare earth impurities quantified separately
• Fine powders with controlled loss on ignition (LOI), specific surface area and bulk density reported in product documentation
• Packaging: 25 kg fibre drums or multiwall bags for standard bulk grades; 1–5 kg sealed containers for 99.99 % and 99.999 % lots