Barium phosphate
Barium phosphate, also known as barium orthophosphate, is an inorganic phosphate of barium with the molecular formula Ba32. It is usually found as a white, odorless powder which is insoluble in water.
Synthesis
The general chemical reaction for the synthesis of barium phosphate powder, using the sol-gel process, is:
3 Ba2 + 2 NH4H2PO4 → Ba32 + 2 NH4NO3 + 4 HNO3
Barium phosphate is formed as a precipitate.
Structure
Its crystal structure is rhombohedral with a space group of R''m'', identical to that of strontium phosphate.
Properties
Barium phosphate exhibits properties such as high refractive index, low melting point, low glass transition temperature, high transparency to ultraviolet light, and high thermal expansion coefficient.
Applications
Barium phosphate finds uses in industrial applications, including optical applications like preparation of glasses with special properties for pulsed lasers, and preparation of solders for glass to glass bonding. It can also be used in development of hydrogen / fuel sensors.