Niobium

Niobium • Transition Metal

Primary XPS region: Nb3d
Overlapping regions: Cl2p
Binding energies of common chemical states:

Chemical state	Binding energy Nb3d_5/2
Nb metal	202.4 eV
Nb₂O₅	207.1 eV

Nb₂O₅ charge is referenced to C1s at 284.8eV.

Experimental information

N/A

Interpretation of XPS spectra

Nb metal gives asymmetric Nb3d peak shapes, but Nb oxides have symmetric peak shapes.
Nb3d region has significantly split spin-orbit components (Δ=2.78eV).
- For Nb oxides, the FWHM of the Nb3d peaks is the same; for Nb metal, the Nb3d_3/2 peak is much broader than the Nb3d_5/2 peak.

About this element

Symbol: Nb
Date of discovery: 1801
Name origin: Greek Niobe
Appearance: gray metallic
Discoverer: Charles Hatchett
Obtained from: columbite

Melting point: 2750 K
Boiling point: 5017 K
Density[kg/m³]: 8570
Molar volume: 10.83 × 10^-6 m³/mol
Protons/Electrons: 41
Neutrons: 52
Shell structure: 2,8,18,12,1
Electron configuration: [Kr]4d45s1
Oxidation state: 5,3
Crystal structure: cubic body centered

Normally shiny gray, niobium develops a bluish tinge when exposed to air at room temperature. This color makes niobium attractive for use in body piercing jewelry. Niobium is chemically very close to tantalum. Niobium is a compound in some stainless steels and is an alloy of other nonferrous metals, such as those used in pipeline construction. This element is a Type II superconductor, which means that it remains a superconductor even in high magnetic fields. Niobium gets its name from the mortal Niobe of Greek mythology who turned to stone after she wept for the loss of her children and husband.