Praseodymium • Lanthanide Rare Earth

Primary XPS region: Pr3d
Overlapping regions: Cu2p
Binding energies of common chemical states:

Experimental Information

• • Collect entire Pr3d region (up to 990eV), making sure both Pr3d_5/2 and Pr3d_3/2 components are acquired.

Interpretation of XPS spectra

• Direct overlap between Pr3d and Cu2p peaks.
  • Although Pr3d / Cu2p peaks have strong overlap, Pr3d spin-orbit components have a 3:2 intensity ratio compared to a 2:1 ratio for Cu2p
  • Check for weaker Cu3p peak at 75eV
  • Check positions of Pr and Cu Auger peaks (primary Cu LMM peak at kinetic energy 918eV, compared to primary Pr peak at kineitic energy 690eV)

About This Element

Symbol: Pr
Date of Discovery: 1885
Name Origin: greek prasios and didymos
Appearance: unknown
Discoverer: C.F. Aver von Welsbach
Obtained From: salts

Melting Point: 1208 K
Boiling Point: 3400 K
Density[kg/m3]: 6640
Molar Volume: 20.8 × 10-6 m3/mol
Protons/Electrons: 59
Neutrons: 82
Shell Structure: 2,8,18,21,8,2
Electron Configuration: [Xe]6s24f3
Oxidation State: 3
Crystal Structure: hexagonal

Praseodymium should be stored under a light mineral oil or sealed in plastic as it will develop a green coating which, in return, exposes more metal to oxidation. First discovered in 1885 by C. F. Auer von Welsbach, a German chemist, praseodymium’s primary use is as an alloying agent combined with magnesium to create high-strength metals for aircraft engines. Praseodymium is also a necessary element for studio lighting and projector lights used in the motion picture industry. The element also forms the core of the carbon arc lights. Praseodymium gives glasses and enamels a yellowish color. The element has no known biological role.