About Tantalates

Tantalate Ion

Tantalates contain oxyanions of tantalum, making them salts of tantalic acid. These compounds, which include lutetium tantalate, lithium tantalate, and lead scandium tantalate, are crystalline solids which exhibit optical, piezoelectric, and pyroelectric properties that lend them to uses as functional ceramics used in electronic sensors. Additionally, compounds containing the heptafluorotantalate anion, TaF72-, may be referred to as tantalates. These compounds are largely commercially relevant for their role as intermediates in the process of refining tantalum metal from ore.