What are the application areas of nitric acid?

　　Nitric acid is a strong oxidizing and corrosive inorganic acid with extensive applications across multiple fields. Here are the main areas where nitric acid is used:

　　1. Chemical Industry: Nitric acid is one of the most fundamental chemical raw materials in the chemical industry, widely used in the production of fertilizers, nitrates, nitroesters, and other fine chemical products. For instance, it can be employed to manufacture ammonium nitrate, sodium nitrate, and other fertilizers that supply essential nutrients for agricultural production.

　　2. Metallurgical Industry: Nitric acid plays a crucial role in metal surface treatment. It is used to produce concentrated nitric acid and nitric acid solutions, which are employed for cleaning and etching metal surfaces, removing oxides and other impurities, and enhancing the corrosion resistance and quality of metals. Additionally, nitric acid is utilized in the production of metal nitrates, serving key roles in metal smelting and electroplating processes.

　　3. Manufacturing: Nitric acid is widely used in the processing of materials such as wood, paper, and textiles. For instance, wood reacts under the influence of nitric acid, making it harder and more resistant to wear. Additionally, nitric acid is also employed in the production of dyes, explosives, and other industrial chemicals.

　　4. Pharmaceutical Industry: Nitric acid is also widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. It can be employed to manufacture drugs, such as medications for treating angina pectoris. Additionally, nitric acid is utilized for disinfecting and cleaning medical equipment.

　　5. Laboratory Use: Nitric acid is one of the commonly used chemical reagents in laboratories. It can be employed to prepare other chemicals, conduct chemical analyses, and support laboratory research, among other applications. For instance, it’s often utilized in preparing key reaction media and analytical reagents.

　　6. Other Applications: Nitric acid is also used in military, energy, and other industries. In the military sector, it’s employed to produce explosives and propellants. In the energy field, nitric acid serves as a key ingredient in manufacturing solar panels. Additionally, nitric acid plays a crucial role in creating rocket fuels and other high-energy propellants.

　　In addition to the application areas mentioned above, nitric acid also has a wide range of uses in other fields. As science and technology continue to advance, the applications of nitric acid will only expand further. At the same time, the production and use of nitric acid are closely monitored by stringent environmental regulations, requiring compliance with relevant environmental laws and standards to ensure both safety and sustainability.

　　In summary, nitric acid is an important inorganic acid with extensive applications across various fields. As technology advances and environmental concerns grow, the areas where nitric acid is used will continue to expand and diversify.