While vital to advanced technologies, some challenges remain in harnessing xenon on an industrial scale:
-
Supply – Xenon’s low natural abundance makes it costly to extract and purify. New separation techniques aim to recover xenon from air more efficiently.
-
Storage – Xenon must be stored in high-pressure cylinders to liquefy it for industrial uses. New adsorbent materials may allow easier storage.
-
Cost – As a rare gas, xenon’s specialized applications must justify the high cost. Recycling and recovery systems help offset expense.
-
Handling – The high pressure liquefied form requires care to avoid burns. New microscale systems seek to use xenon gas at lower pressures.
-
Environmental impact – Xenon is a greenhouse gas. Systems should prevent releases and recover xenon where possible.
With responsible usage, xenon’s unique properties will continue enabling technological progress in lighting, imaging, propulsion and electronics.
Post time: Sep-20-2023