What are the properties of Vanadium?
Vanadium has an atomic number of 23, (which means it has 23 protons in its nucleus). Natural vanadium is a combination of two isotopes, 50V (0.24 percent) and 51V (99.76 percent). It is known as a transition metal on the periodic table.
What can Vanadium be used for?
- Vanadium can be used to make steel alloys, for use in space vehicles, nuclear reactors and aircraft carriers, etc.
- Vanadium steel alloys' strength means that they are perfectly suited to the creation of tools, axels, piston rods and as girders in construction.
- In Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries (VRFBs), vanadium is used to create a reliable, safe and stable solution for the storage of renewable energy. Read more about VRFBs >
- Vanadium can be utilised in ceramics as a pigment.
- Vanadium pentoxide can be used as a catalyst in the manufacture of dyes and printing fabrics.
- Superconducting magnets can be made from vanadium gallium tape.
- Vanadium oxide is used in the manufacture of sulphuric acid.
- In the medical sphere, vanadium is used to treat a number of ailments, including diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol. It has also been used in the cathodes of batteries for implantable cardioverter defibrillators.
- Research is underway to utilise vanadium in the cathodes of batteries for electric vehicles.
- Scientists have used the unique properties of vanadium to produce smart windows which can lock heat out during the summer and retain heat inside when the weather cools down.
Did you know?
Less than 1% of vanadium makes steel shock resistant and vibration resistant.
For more information about Vanadium, visit Vanitec.org