The cerium group refers to a group of chemical elements in the periodic table that includes cerium (Ce), praseodymium (Pr), neodymium (Nd), promethium (Pm), samarium (Sm), europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd), terbium (Tb), dysprosium (Dy), holmium (Ho), erbium (Er), thulium (Tm), ytterbium (Yb), and lutetium (Lu). This group is part of the lanthanide series, a group of 15 elements that consist of similar properties due to their electron configurations.
The cerium group elements are all rare earth metals, meaning they are relatively scarce in Earth's crust. They share common characteristics such as high melting and boiling points, silvery-white appearance, and the ability to form stable trivalent ions. These elements also possess magnetic, electrical, and optical properties, making them important for various applications in technology, especially in the fields of magnets, lasers, and lighting.
Cerium, the most abundant and widely studied element in this group, has several commercial uses, including catalysts in automotive exhaust systems, glass manufacturing, and fuel refining. Praseodymium and neodymium are key components in high-strength magnets used in electric motors and generators. Other elements in the cerium group find applications in phosphors for lighting, nuclear reactors, and medical imaging.
Due to their unique properties and increasing demand in various industries, the cerium group elements hold significant economic value and strategic importance. However, their extraction and processing can be challenging and environmentally impactful, requiring careful management to ensure sustainable use of these valuable natural resources.
