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What are the main uses of nitrogen trifluoride NF3?
Nitrogen trifluoride, NF₃, is a fluorine gas with the same root as nitrogen. Although it is stable at room temperature, it has a sharp edge inside. It is actually relied on by modern craftsmanship and is different from ordinary gas.
First, cleaning semiconductors
All fine plates for making chips and liquid crystals are often hard to remove. Nitrogen trifluoride, when exposed to high-energy electric fire, releases free fluorine, which is unstoppable and can etch silicon wafers, tungsten, tantalum and other metal films, cleaning their micro-channels. This function is better than the old fluorine gas, because it is more stable, easy to transport and control, and the amount is also saved.
Second, cleaning solar photovoltaics
Photovoltaic panels often accumulate silicon slag and impurities during refining. Cleaning with nitrogen trifluoride can restore their original cleanliness, increase their light yield, and prolong their life. Therefore, photovoltaic factories often use this gas as a good companion.
Third, liquid crystal display repair
Liquid crystal glass film also relies on it to etch away residual film during the manufacturing process, helping it to have clear imaging and bright colors. This method is light and does not damage the root material, so it is the best choice.
Fourth, chemical synthesis aid
Although nitrogen trifluoride is rarely used to directly generate new compounds, it can also be used as a fluorine source in the development of special fluorination or fluorine-containing chemistry. It is applied in the laboratory and has a subtle but specialized function.
Fifth, a safe alternative to fluorine gas
In the past, pure fluorine gas was often used for cleaning, which was violent and difficult to control; now nitrogen trifluoride is safe and efficient, and is gradually replacing it, which not only ensures personal safety, but also saves the weight of facilities.
What are the physical properties of nitrogen trifluoride?
Nitrogen trifluoride, NF₃, is produced by the interaction of nitrogen and fluorine. It is not obtained naturally, but is artificially created. It is subtle in nature, colorless in shape, and looks like a breeze, which is really magical.
First, the gas is light and free
Nitrogen trifluoride is a gas at normal temperature and pressure, with a slightly pungent smell, colorless and tasteless. It is invisible to the eyes, but it is noticeable when it enters the nose. Its density is about 1.6 times that of air. Although it is heavier than wind, it is easy to disperse.
Second, the condensation and boiling can be measured
The boiling point is about -129 degrees Celsius, and the freezing point (freezing point) is about -206 degrees. Therefore, it is difficult to see its liquid condensation even in severe winter, and it needs to be extremely cold to obtain liquid.
Third, it is compressed into liquid
It is often stored in a high-pressure bottle, and when it is pressurized or low-temperature, it becomes a colorless liquid. When it is liquid, it is as clear as water, but its nature is very strong and should not be underestimated.
Fourth, critical properties
The critical temperature is about -33 degrees, and the critical pressure is about 4.1 megapascals (Mpa). Beyond this, there is no longer a gas-liquid boundary, and it turns into a supercritical state, and the physical properties suddenly change. Engineering needs to be cautious.
Fifth, solubility
It is very soluble in water, and slowly releases fluorine in water to generate hydrogen fluoride, which is slightly toxic and corrosive. It can also be soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ethers, but its affinity is not very good.
Sixth, specific heat and thermal conductivity
The specific heat is about 0.84 J/(g·K), the heat capacity is not large, and the thermal conductivity is weak. It can decompose violently when exposed to flames or electric shocks, so it must be prevented from causing harm.
What are the chemical properties of nitrogen trifluoride NF3?
Nitrogen fluoride, NF₃, is a combination of nitrogen and fluorine. It looks colorless like the void, and its gas is light and acrid, which is difficult to distinguish with ordinary eyes. However, its nature is very fierce, and ordinary people cannot approach it lightly.
First, it is stable at room temperature
This substance is safer than fluorine gas at room temperature and pressure. It does not spontaneously combust or explode. It is a relatively mild one among fluorine compounds. However, when it encounters high heat and strong energy, it can release free fluorine immediately, which is unstoppable.
Second, it can be a strong oxidant
Nitrogen trifluoride contains fluorine trioxide. When it encounters electric fire or plasma, it can dissociate living fluorine. It is very easy to generate fluoride with metals such as silicon, tungsten, tantalum, and titanium. It is used for semiconductor cleaning, and the effect is particularly wonderful.
Third, it slowly releases fluorine when it encounters water
Nitrogen trifluoride reacts slowly when it encounters water or water vapor, which is not as fierce as fluorine gas. However, it can also generate hydrogen fluoride and nitrogen oxides after a long time, both of which have corrosive properties.
Fourth, it is not flammable in the gas
Although fluorine is violent, NF₃ itself is not flammable, nor does it support combustion under normal conditions. However, if it encounters a strong electric fire, it can decompose and generate fluorine gas, which can greatly support the fire.
Fifth, it is moderately toxic
This gas can damage the respiratory tract when inhaled, and even cause lung damage and respiratory suffocation. Although the toxicity is not as high as pure fluorine, it will be harmful if immersed for a long time, so it should not be ignored.
What are the precautions for nitrogen trifluoride NF3 in the production process?
Nitrogen trifluoride is a compound of nitrogen and fluorine. It has an irregular color, a slightly pungent taste, and is extremely active. It is particularly valuable for semiconductor etching and solar cell cleaning. However, its refining method must be cautious. If it is neglected, it will harm people and things, so it must be observed.
First, prevent leakage
Fluorine gas is a strong substance. It reacts violently when it comes into contact with water. Leakage can easily cause harm to people and animals. Therefore, the equipment should be sealed first. All valves and joints must be inspected every day and must not be neglected. If there is a slight leak, the fluorine gas should be discharged first and then repaired.
Second, control the temperature
In the reactor, nitrogen and fluorine meet, and the heat is very fierce. If the temperature is out of control, the product will tend to have more side reactions, or even cause explosion. It needs to be adjusted by cooling water, liquid nitrogen, etc. to ensure stability.
Third, prevent moisture
Fluorine gas and water vapor meet to generate hydrogen fluoride, which is highly toxic and corrosive, and is a taboo in refining. Therefore, the factory must be dry, and the operator's clothing must be isolated from moisture, and sweat must not be brought in.
Fourth, use materials with caution
Equipment that comes into contact with fluorine gas must be covered with nickel-based alloys, Hastelloy alloys, or fluoroplastics. If iron, copper, aluminum, etc. are used, they will be corroded and damaged, and the harm will be endless.
Fifth, set up first aid
Warehouses and work sites should be equipped with first aid medicines, respirators, and protective masks for fluorine poisoning. If there are symptoms of poisoning, move to a breezy place first, and then seek medical treatment without delay.
Sixth, deal with tail gas
Fluorine tail gas must be treated in an alkali liquid washing tower to remove all residual fluorine before it can be discharged. This is related to the weather and location, as well as the people's hearts and safety, and cannot be ignored.
What are the environmental effects of nitrogen trifluoride NF3?
The environmental impact of nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) is complex and needs to be examined in detail.
NF3 is a highly oxidizing gas. In the atmosphere, it can cause harm to the ozone layer. Because of the fluorine atoms it contains, it can react with ozone under certain conditions. Once released into the atmosphere, NF3 will gradually rise to the stratosphere after diffusion and migration. In the stratosphere, ultraviolet radiation prompts NF to undergo a photolysis reaction, releasing fluorine atoms. Fluorine atoms are extremely reactive and can react in a chain with ozone molecules (O ), such as: F+O → FO+O , and the generated FO will react with other oxygen atoms (O), namely FO+O → F+O . During this process, fluorine atoms act as catalysts, continuously depleting ozone, resulting in the thinning of the ozone layer. The ozone layer is of great significance to the earth. It absorbs most of the ultraviolet rays in the solar radiation and protects life on earth from excessive ultraviolet rays. If the ozone layer is destroyed and the ultraviolet radiation increases, it will cause many adverse effects on the survival and reproduction of living things. For example, the probability of human skin cancer and cataracts increases; the photosynthesis of plants is disturbed, which affects crop yield and ecosystem balance; marine plankton will also be damaged due to enhanced ultraviolet rays, which in turn affects the stability of marine food chains and ecosystems.
Furthermore, NF3 is a greenhouse gas itself. Although its content in the atmosphere is relatively low, its global warming potential is quite high. In the atmosphere, NF3 can persist for a long time, absorb and re-radiate the infrared radiation emitted by the earth's surface, causing the earth's surface temperature to rise and exacerbating global warming. Global warming will trigger a series of chain reactions, such as melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and increasing extreme climate events, which seriously threaten the living environment and social and economic development of human beings.
In summary, nitrogen trichloride (NF3) has a significant impact on the environment, and strict measures need to be taken in the production, use, and discharge processes to reduce its negative effects on the environment.