Samarium Oxide Nanoparticles

Samarium oxide (Sm₂O₃), also known as Samaria, is an important rare earth oxide material that exhibits properties similar to metal oxides. Samarium oxide nanoparticles are usually in the form of pale yellow powder. The crystal structure of the nanoparticles is cubic. Samarium oxide is a high-k dielectric sesquioxide with melting and boiling points of 2335 °C and 4118 °C. This material is used in refractory ceramics for temperature control and shielding in nuclear piles. The catalytic properties of Sm₂O₃ nanoparticles have been utilized in oxidative coupling of methane, synthesis of ammonia, esterification reactions, and Bronsted acid catalysts in different applications. Sm2O3 exhibits a high refractive index (1.93) and a wide bandgap of 4.33 eV. The samarium oxide exhibits high optical transmission (about 80%) similar to metal oxides. These properties are utilized in optical applications, infrared-absorbing glass, resistance-based gas sensors, dielectric resonators, capacitors, and solid oxide fuel cells.