What are the Industrial Applications of Rare Earth Oxides?
Beyond automotive applications, REOs are employed in various industrial processes. Lanthanum oxide (La2O3), for instance, is used in the production of petroleum cracking catalysts. These catalysts help break down large hydrocarbon molecules into more valuable smaller ones, enhancing the yield of gasoline and other fuels. Similarly, neodymium oxide (Nd2O3) finds use in the synthesis of polymers and specialty chemicals.