1. Catalytic Region
(1) Sulfuric Acid Industry (Main Application)
Role: acts as a catalyst for the oxidation of SO₂ to SO₃ (contact process for the production of sulfuric acid).
Mechanism: V₂O₅ and K₂O/SiO₂ form a catalyst, oxygen atoms are transferred along the V⁵⁺↔V⁴⁺ cycle:
SO2+V2O5→SO3+V2O4V2O4+21O2→V2O5
Advantages: high activity, low cost, can replace early platinum catalysts.
(2) Catalysis Of Organic Synthesis
Selective oxidation:
Benzene → Maleic anhydride (used in plasticizers).
Propane/propylene → acrylic acid (synthetic acrylic resin).
Dehydrogenation reaction: ethylbenzene → styrene (raw material for polystyrene).
Environmental catalysis: catalytic decomposition of nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and organic pollutants in industrial exhaust gases.
2. Energy Storage And Battery Materials
(1) Vanadium Redox Rechargeable Battery (VRFB)
Function: As an active substance of the electrolyte, it stores energy through the redox reaction V⁵⁺/V⁴⁺ (anode) and V³⁺/V²⁺ (cathode).
Advantages:
Long service life (>20,000 cycles).
Suitable for large-scale energy storage (e.g. wind and solar power plants).
(2) Lithium-Ion/Sodium-Ion Batteries
Positive Electrode Material:
The layered V₂O₅ can embed Li⁺ or Na⁺, with a high theoretical capacitance (~294 mAh/g).
Modification techniques (such as nanization and carbon plating) improve the conductivity and stability of the cycle.
Application Scenarios: High Energy Density Batteries, Flexible Electronic Devices.
3. Chemical Industry And Material Production
(1) Ceramics And Glass
Colours: The addition of V₂O₅ produces a yellow or green ceramic glaze.
UV absorption: used in special glasses (e.g. for thermal insulation of buildings).
(2) Raw Materials For The Production Of Vanadium Metal And Alloys: Vanadium Metal Is Produced By Aluminothermic Or Calcium Reduction:
V2O5+5Ca→2V+5CaO
Application of alloys:
Vanadium steel (Fe-V): increased strength and corrosion resistance (used in tool steel and automotive parts).
Titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V): A structural material for the aerospace industry.
(3) Synthesis Of Other Compounds
Vanadium nitride (VN): a wear-resistant coating material.
Vanadates (e.g., NaVO₃): preservatives and corrosion inhibitors.
