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.

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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

• Rickey, Tom (1999). Superconductors See the Light At Shorter Wavelengths. superconductors.org. Retrieved on 2006-08-08.
• Dierks, S. (1991). NbN Material Safety Data Sheet (PDF). espimetals.com. Retrieved on 2006-08-08.
• Niobium nitride. webelements.com. Retrieved on 2006-08-08.