Molybdenum is a metallic chemical element with the symbol Mo and atomic number 42. Though not well known by the general public, molybdenum plays a critical role in many modern technologies and is considered an essential metal in the modern world. 

What is Molybdenum?

Molybdenum is a silvery-grey metal that is quite tough and has a high melting point of over 2,600°C. It is rarely found in its native form in nature, usually appearing as molybdenite, its most common mineral ore. Chemically, molybdenum is quite stable and resistant to corrosion, making it useful for applications where durability is required.

Some key physical properties of molybdenum include its high tensile strength, even at elevated temperatures. It maintains 80% of its room temperature tensile strength up to 800°C. This property makes molybdenum invaluable for applications where materials must withstand high temperatures yet remain strong. It is also an excellent electrical and thermal conductor.

Molybdenum in Modern Technology

Due to its unique combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and conductivity properties, molybdenum has become indispensable in many modern technologies. Some of its most important uses include:

- Steel Alloying: Molybdenum is frequently added to steel in the production of high-strength steel alloys. Even a small amount, around 0.25% molybdenum, significantly increases steel's strength, toughness, and hardness. Many advanced steel alloys contain between 0.5-5% molybdenum.

- Superalloys: Superalloys used in jet engines and gas turbines often contain around 6-10% molybdenum. This allows the alloys to retain their strength at very high temperatures exceeding 1,000°C. Molybdenum is critical for these alloys' effectiveness.

- Chemical Processing: Due to its corrosion resistance, molybdenum is used to construct chemical vessels and pipes. It is the material of choice for transporting and processing corrosive chemicals like chlorine. Molybdenum catalysts are also employed during oil refining and other chemical synthesis processes.

- Electronics: Molybdenum is used in electronics as connectors and contacts due to its conductivity properties. Its resistance to corrosion also makes it suitable as an electrical contact material. Molybdenum can also form transparent conductive oxides used in touchscreens and display panels.

- Medical Implants: Artificial hip and knee joints often employ a molybdenum coating on their surface. This improves the biocompatibility and longevity of implants by preventing corrosion. Molybdenum constructs are also X-ray compatible.

- Filament and Heating Elements: The conductivity and high melting point of molybdenum allow it to efficiently generate heat. As such, it is the material of choice for constructing electric filaments and heating elements used in appliances, lighting, and industrial processes.

Global Production and Uses of Molybdenum

The spotlight on Molybdenum’s unique material properties has led to steadily increasing demand over the decades. It is estimated that around 250,000 tons of molybdenum were produced globally in 2020. The majority was used in steel alloys to strengthen structural steel. The aviation, chemical, and electronics industries are also major consumers.

China is the biggest producer of molybdenum in the world, accounting for over 40% of global production in 2020. Other major producers include the United States, Chile, Peru, and Russia. Molybdenum deposits tend to occur alongside porphyry copper deposits, so most production is located in major copper mining regions. Given molybdenum's importance for high-tech materials, global demand is expected to continue rising in the coming decades to fuel further technological advancement.

The Future of Molybdenum Applications

Research into molybdenum's properties remains ongoing as scientists explore new applications that utilize its unique mix of conductivity, strength, and heat/corrosion resistance. Some potential future uses on the horizon include:

- Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Thin molybdenum oxide films show promise as cheaper catalysts and interconnect materials for higher efficiency solid oxide fuel cells.

- Neuroscience Tools: Molybdenum disulfide nanosheets are being studied as substrates for neural tissue engineering and optogenetics, able to efficiently stimulate neurons.

- Photovoltaics: Molybdenum diselenide could potentially rival current materials used for perovskite and organic solar cells, as it combines semiconducting and mechanical flexibility.

- Hydroprocessing Catalysts: Molybdenum sulfide catalysts continue enhancing the efficiency and environmental footprint of industrial processes like hydrocracking and hydrodesulfurization of fossil fuels.

In summary, with its unique blend of temperature resistance, strength, and conductivity, molybdenum has developed critical applications across numerous sectors modern technology relies upon. Its use is likely to expand even further as its material properties are applied to emerging technologies in green energy, biomedical sciences, and next-generation electronics. Molybdenum truly is an essential yet often overlooked metal for building our technological future.

Get more insights on Molybdenum