Cr2O3
Chromium(III) oxide · Chromia, Chromic oxide
Chromium(III) oxide is a stable, semiconducting metal oxide widely used as a catalyst and durable pigment.
About Chromium(III) oxide
Chromium(III) oxide is a robust and thermodynamically stable material that maintains its integrity under a variety of harsh chemical conditions. As a semiconducting oxide, it plays a critical role in facilitating surface-mediated reactions, making it a cornerstone in heterogeneous catalysis and material science research. Its extensive structural documentation across major databases underscores its reliability and importance in fundamental studies.
Beyond its catalytic utility, this compound is highly valued for its chemical inertness and durability. It serves as a primary precursor for various chromium-based materials and is frequently employed in applications requiring high thermal and chemical resistance, such as specialized pigments and protective surface coatings.
Key Properties
Cross-validated computational properties for Chromium(III) oxide, aggregated across 5 databases.
Band GapEnergy needed to move an electron from the valence band to the conduction band. Lower or zero values tend to behave more metallic; larger gaps are more insulating or semiconducting.
Energy Above HullThermodynamic distance from the most stable set of competing phases. 0 eV/atom is on the convex hull; small positive values may still be experimentally accessible.
StabilityA plain-language summary of the best reported energy-above-hull result. It reflects whether the lowest-energy structure is on, near, or far from the stability hull.
StructuresCount of reported calculated crystal structures for this formula, including alternate polymorphs, source databases, and observed space groups.
Synthesis Routes
Literature-extracted synthesis procedures targeting Cr2O3.
Applications
Where Chromium(III) oxide is used.
Patent Landscape
4 patents reference Cr2O3 or close compositional variants.
| Patent | Title | Assignee | Granted |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6372679 | Cr2O3-Al2O3 sintered body and processes for producing same | — | — |
| 7276226 | Chromium dioxide (CrO2) and composites of chromium dioxide and other oxides of chromium such as CrO2/Cr2O3 and | — | — |
| 6451130 | Method for forming Cr2O3 film on stainless steel surface | — | — |
| 6815386 | Use of phosphates to reduce slag penetration in Cr2O3-based refractories | — | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Chromium(III) oxide, answered from cross-validated data.
What is Cr2O3?
Chromium(III) oxide is a stable, semiconducting metal oxide widely used as a catalyst and durable pigment.
What is Cr2O3 used for?
What is the band gap of Cr2O3?
Is Cr2O3 a metal, semiconductor, or insulator?
Is Cr2O3 thermodynamically stable?
How many polymorphs of Cr2O3 are known?
How is Cr2O3 synthesized?
What elements does Cr2O3 contain?
Where does the data for Cr2O3 come from?
How It Compares
Within the spinel oxide catalysts class.
Within the group of spinel and transition metal oxides, Cr2O3 stands out for its exceptional thermodynamic stability compared to more reactive counterparts like CuO or NiO. While complex perovskites such as LaMnO3 are often explored for their specific magnetic or electronic tuning, Cr2O3 remains a foundational, high-performance oxide favored for its simplicity and consistent behavior in catalytic environments.
Related Compounds
Other Spinel Oxide Catalysts in the database.
Data sources & attribution
- latticegraph — Lattice Graph Materials Intelligence Platform
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