Terbium(III) oxide

Terbium(III) oxide, also known as terbium sesquioxide, is a sesquioxide of the rare earth metal terbium, having chemical formula. It is a p-type semiconductor, which conducts protons, which is enhanced when doped with calcium. It may be prepared by the reduction of Terbium(III,IV) oxide in hydrogen at 1300 °C for 24 hours.


 * Tb4O7 + H2 -> 2 Tb2O3 + H2O

It is a basic oxide and easily dissolved to dilute acids, and then almost colourless terbium salt is formed.
 * Tb2O3 + 6 H+ → 2 Tb3+ + 3 H2O

The crystal structure is cubic and the lattice constant is a = 1057 pm.