Noble gases (also known as inert gases), including helium. (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe)
and radon (Rn) have been widely applied in many fields because of their highly stable chemical properties,
being colorless, odorless and difficult to react. The following is a classification description of its core uses:
1.Protective Gas
Utilize its chemical inertia to prevent oxidation or pollution:
Industrial welding and metallurgy: Argon (Ar), aluminum, magnesium and other active metals are protected by welding processes. Argon gas protects silicon wafers from impurity contamination during semiconductor manufacturing.
Precision machining: Argon gas environment for nuclear fuel processing in atomic energy reactors to prevent oxidation.
Extend the service life of equipment: Add argon or krypton gas to slow down the evaporation of tungsten filament and improve durability.
2. Lighting and electric light sources
When powered on, it emits light of a specific color and is used in various light sources:
Neon lights and indicator lights: Neon lights and indicator lights: (Ne) Red light for airports and billboards, blue light for argon, and red light for helium.
High-efficiency lighting: Xenon (Xe) is used in automotive headlights and searchlights (” artificial little sun “), featuring high brightness and a long service life. Energy-saving bulbs use krypton gas.
Laser technology: Helium neon lasers (He-Ne) are used in scientific research, medical treatment and barcode scanning.
3. Balloon, airship and diving applications
Helium relies on low density and safety:
Hydrogen substitution: Fill balloons and airships with helium to avoid the risk of flammability.
Deep seawater: Helium-oxygen mixture: Helium-oxygen mixture (Heliox) replaces nitrogen to prevent “nitrogen anesthesia” and oxygen poisoning (diving below 55 meters).
4. Medical care and scientific research
Medical imaging: Helium is used as a coolant in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to maintain low-temperature superconducting magnets.
Anesthesia and treatment: Xenon gas has anesthetic effects and is used in surgical anesthesia and neuroprotection research. Radon (radioactive) is used in cancer radiotherapy.
Liquid helium (-2699) cryogenic technology (°C) is suitable for extremely low-temperature environments, such as superconducting experiments, particle accelerators, etc.
5. High-tech and cutting-edge fields
Space propulsion: Helium is used in rocket fuel pressurization systems.
New energy sources and materials: Argon is used to manufacture solar cells and protect the purity of silicon wafers; Krypton and xenon are used in the research and development of fuel cells.
Environment and Geology: Argon and xenon isotopes are used to track air pollution sources and geological ages.
Precautions
Radon radioactive energy: Strictly protect for medical use.
Resource limitations: Helium is non-renewable, and recycling technologies are becoming increasingly important.
Rare gases, with their characteristics of stability, luminescence, low density and low temperature, have permeated into industry, medicine, aerospace and daily life. With the advancement of technology (such as high-pressure synthesis of helium compounds), its application boundaries are still expanding and it has become an indispensable “invisible pillar” of modern technology.
Post time: Jun-30-2025