Strontium

Strontium (Sr) Description

Strontium is a malleable, silvery-white, or yellowish alkaline earth metal. Naturally occurring strontium consists of four stable isotopes, namely Sr-84, Sr-86, Sr-87, and Sr-88, and is predominantly found in the minerals celestite and strontianite.

Similar to other alkali metals, strontium exhibits high chemical reactivity and interacts with both air and water. It ignites with a vivid red flame when exposed to air. Upon contact with water, strontium releases hydrogen gas and strontium hydroxide, which is a potent irritant.

Strontium (Sr) Applications

Strontium compounds show up in everything from clean energy and electronics to fireworks and basic chemicals. Strontium carbonate is the most widely used one. And the LSCF series (lanthanum-strontium-cobalt-ferrite) is a big deal in fuel cell tech.

1. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) – Cathode Materials

This is the top use in clean energy. LSCF, lanthanum-strontium cobaltite, and strontium cobaltite powders are all perovskites. They're used to make SOFC cathodes that work at lower temps. They have high activity and mixed conductivity, which means better performance.

2. Optical Glass & Glow-in-the-Dark Materials

Strontium fluoride is great for optical glass and high-end electronics because it lets light through and has a low refractive index. Strontium selenide is used in thin films that glow—you can change the color by adding different ions. Strontium sulfide is the old-school ingredient in glow-in-the-dark paint.

3. Magnets & Electronic Ceramics

Strontium carbonate is the go-to here. It's used to make strontium ferrite magnets, TV picture tubes, and PTC thermistors. Strontium hydroxide octahydrate is mostly for ceramics, but it can also help make perovskite solar cells.

4. Fireworks, Flares & Pigments

Strontium burns bright red, so it's perfect for fireworks and signal flares. Strontium oxide and strontium carbonate are the main red colorants. Strontium sulfide is also used in special pigments and glow paints.

5. Basic Chemicals & Lab Work

Strontium oxide is a basic building block for making other strontium chemicals. Strontium fluoride and strontium sulfide can be used as high-purity lab reagents or drug intermediates. Strontium hydroxide octahydrate is common in sol-gel processing to make functional materials.

Strontium Compounds at a Glance

Strontium (Sr) Specification