Yttrium (Y)
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yttrium#/media/File:Yttrium_sublimed_dendritic_and_1cm3_cube.jpg)
Properties
Nothing to see here. Move along
please.
Applications
Yttrium is an additive in one of
the coolest types of superconductors out there: the
yttrium barium copper oxide superconductor. What is
special about this superconductor is that it is able to
operate above the boiling point of liquid nitrogen, a much
cheaper alternative to the normal superconductor coolant,
liquid helium.
Yttrium is being experimented with in the production of
higher energy dense lithium ion batteries, the battery of
the future. Instability is a recurring issue at the
moment.
A synthetic crystal called the yttrium aluminum garnet is
used in lasers that cut through metal. Pretty cool.
Yttrium oxide is an additive used in glass for camera
lenses to make them stronger and more impact resistant.
A commonly used catalyst in polymers and alloying agent in
aluminum and magnesium based metals, Yttrium has a wide
range of very cool applications.