Xenon is a colorless, odorless noble gas found in trace amounts in Earth’s atmosphere. Although rare, xenon plays an outsized role in technology, medicine, and lighting. Understanding its properties and supply dynamics helps buyers make informed decisions about xenon price and availability.
Key properties of xenon
- Inert noble gas: Chemically nonreactive under standard conditions.
- Atomic number: 54; heavier than air.
- Boiling point: −108.1°C; liquefies under moderate cryogenic conditions.
- High atomic mass: Useful for ion propulsion and medical imaging contrast agents.
- Emission spectrum: Produces bright, white-blue light—ideal for specialty lamps and flashes.
Common uses of xenon
- Lighting: Xenon short-arc lamps for cinema projectors; xenon flash tubes in photography; specialty automotive HID lighting.
- Medical: Xenon anesthesia (where approved), imaging contrast, and research in neuroprotection.
- Aerospace: Xenon propellant in ion thrusters for satellites and deep-space probes due to its high atomic mass and low ionization energy.
- Electronics and R&D: Plasma displays (legacy), lithography, spectroscopy, and calibration standards.
How xenon is produced
- Air separation units (ASUs): Xenon is captured as a by-product of large-scale oxygen and nitrogen production, then purified by cryogenic distillation.
- Supply implications: Because xenon depends on industrial gas output and specific capture facilities, availability can be cyclical, affecting xenon price.
Market overview and xenon price factors
- Purity: Pricing varies with grades (e.g., 99.999% vs. lower purities).
- Volume: Bulk liquid xenon vs. small gas cylinders command different rates.
- Geography and logistics: Transport, import duties, and hazmat handling influence final cost.
- Demand cycles: Aerospace launches, chip/lighting demand, and medical usage can tighten supply.
Bottom line: Xenon’s unique physical properties drive specialized, high-value applications. If you plan to buy xenon, compare suppliers by purity certification, cylinder options, and total landed xenon price.
Post time: Oct-09-2025