Technical Specifications
1. General Information
- Product Name: Cobalt Nanopowder
- Chemical Symbol: Co
- Purity: ≥ 99.95%
- Particle Size: 200 nm
- Form: Fine nanopowder
- Color: Metallic silver to bluish-gray
2. Chemical Composition
- Elemental Composition: Cobalt (Co) ≥ 99.95%
- Impurities: Trace amounts of oxygen, carbon, and other elements depending on the synthesis method
- Moisture Content: ≤ 0.5%
3. Physical Properties
- Particle Size Distribution: Approximately 200 nm with a narrow size distribution
- Surface Area: 10-50 m²/g (varies based on processing)
- Density:
- Bulk Density: 8.90 g/cm³
- Tap Density: 7.60 g/cm³
- Melting Point: 1,495°C
- Boiling Point: 2,870°C
- Thermal Stability: Stable up to its melting point under normal atmospheric conditions
- Crystalline Structure: Hexagonal close-packed (hcp) or face-centered cubic (fcc) crystal structures depending on synthesis method
4. Morphological Characteristics
- Shape: Primarily spherical or near-spherical nanoparticles
- Agglomeration: Moderate tendency to agglomerate; may require dispersants or surface treatments for uniform distribution in applications
- Surface Morphology: Smooth to slightly rough surfaces, potentially with functional groups depending on processing and functionalization
5. Handling and Storage
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place away from oxidizing agents and moisture
- Packaging: Typically available in sealed, moisture-resistant containers to prevent contamination and moisture absorption
- Safety Precautions:
- Avoid inhalation of fine dust particles; use appropriate respiratory protection
- Wear protective gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing during handling
- Handle in a well-ventilated area or under an inert atmosphere if necessary
- Prevent exposure to open flames or high temperatures due to flammability at elevated temperatures
6. Regulatory Compliance
- Standards: Complies with relevant material safety standards such as REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) and RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
- Certifications: May vary based on manufacturer; ensure compliance with local and international regulations as applicable
7. Synthesis Methods
- Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): Produces high-purity cobalt nanoparticles with precise control over size and morphology through gas-phase reactions
- Thermal Decomposition: Decomposes cobalt-containing precursors at high temperatures to form metallic nanoparticles
- Electrochemical Deposition: Utilizes electrochemical cells to deposit cobalt nanoparticles onto substrates with precise control over size and morphology
- Sol-Gel Processes: Involves transitioning a solution into a solid gel phase, allowing for fine control over particle size and distribution
8. Functionalization
- Surface Treatments: Can be functionalized with various chemical groups to enhance compatibility with different matrices or to impart specific properties such as hydrophobicity, electrical conductivity, or catalytic activity
- Dispersants: May require the addition of dispersing agents or surfactants to prevent agglomeration in composite materials and ensure uniform distribution
Applications
1. Electronics and Semiconductors
- Magnetic Storage Devices: Utilized in the fabrication of high-density magnetic storage media, leveraging cobalt’s strong magnetic properties for improved data storage capabilities.
- Spintronics: Incorporated into spintronic devices to exploit the spin of electrons in addition to their charge, enhancing device performance and enabling new functionalities.
- Catalysts for Semiconductor Manufacturing: Acts as a catalyst in the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes used for semiconductor fabrication, improving reaction rates and film quality.
2. Energy Storage and Conversion
- Battery Materials: Used in advanced battery technologies, including lithium-ion and cobalt-based batteries, to enhance energy density, cycle life, and overall performance.
- Fuel Cells: Serves as a catalyst or catalyst support in fuel cells, improving efficiency, durability, and power output through cobalt’s catalytic properties.
- Supercapacitors: Utilized in the development of high-performance supercapacitors for energy storage solutions requiring rapid charge and discharge cycles, benefiting from cobalt’s electrical conductivity.
3. Composite Materials
- Reinforcement Agent: Incorporated into polymer, metal, and ceramic matrices to significantly enhance mechanical properties such as strength, hardness, wear resistance, and thermal stability.
- Magnetic Composites: Combined with magnetic materials to create composites with tailored magnetic properties for specific applications, including electromagnetic shielding and inductive components.
- Lightweight Structures: Used in the fabrication of lightweight and robust composite materials for automotive, aerospace, and sporting goods applications, contributing to fuel efficiency and performance.
4. Catalysts and Chemical Industry
- Hydrogenation Catalysts: Acts as a highly efficient catalyst in hydrogenation reactions, improving reaction rates and selectivity in the production of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
- Electrocatalysts: Utilized in electrochemical reactions, such as oxygen reduction and evolution in fuel cells and electrolyzers, enhancing catalytic activity and efficiency.
- Environmental Catalysts: Employed in catalytic converters and environmental remediation processes to reduce harmful emissions and pollutants through catalytic oxidation and reduction.
5. Biomedical Applications
- Drug Delivery Systems: Incorporated into nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems for targeted therapy, controlled release of pharmaceuticals, and improved bioavailability of therapeutic agents.
- Antimicrobial Agents: Explored for use in antimicrobial coatings and materials, providing antibacterial and antifungal properties for medical devices and surfaces.
- Diagnostic Imaging: Utilized in the development of contrast agents for advanced imaging techniques, enhancing the resolution and accuracy of medical diagnostics.
6. Magnetic Applications
- Permanent Magnets: Used in the production of high-strength permanent magnets for motors, generators, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, leveraging cobalt’s strong magnetic properties.
- Magnetic Sensors: Incorporated into magnetic sensors and actuators for precise detection and measurement in various industrial and consumer applications.
- Data Storage: Utilized in the development of magnetic nanoparticles for data storage and information processing, enabling higher data densities and faster access times.
7. Nanotechnology and Research
- Nanocomposites: Fundamental component in the development of nanocomposite materials with tailored properties for specific applications, such as enhanced mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, or thermal management.
- Research and Development: Extensively used in academic and industrial research to study the properties and potential applications of cobalt at the nanoscale, including its electronic, thermal, and magnetic behaviors.
- Quantum Computing: Investigated for potential applications in quantum computing components, leveraging cobalt’s unique electronic and magnetic properties for qubit implementation.
8. Aerospace and Defense
- High-Performance Alloys: Utilized in the production of high-performance alloys for aerospace components, providing superior strength, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability under extreme conditions.
- Armor Materials: Incorporated into lightweight and high-strength armor systems for enhanced protection against ballistic threats and projectiles, leveraging cobalt’s durability and hardness.
- Sensors and Detection Systems: Utilized in advanced sensor technologies for the detection of chemical, biological, and radiological agents, improving the responsiveness and accuracy of defense systems.
9. Industrial Manufacturing
- Abrasives and Cutting Tools: Employed in high-precision abrasive materials for grinding, cutting, and polishing applications due to cobalt’s hardness and durability, enabling efficient material processing.
- Wear-Resistant Coatings: Applied as a component in wear-resistant coatings to improve the longevity and performance of industrial machinery and tools subjected to harsh operating conditions.
- Additive Manufacturing: Utilized in advanced 3D printing and additive manufacturing processes to create complex components with enhanced material properties, such as increased strength, thermal resistance, and electrical conductivity.
10. Environmental Applications
- Water Treatment: Investigated for use in advanced adsorption processes to remove contaminants, heavy metals, and pollutants from water, thereby improving water quality and safety.
- Pollution Control: Utilized in the development of materials designed to capture or neutralize harmful substances in industrial emissions, contributing to cleaner air and reduced environmental impact.
- Catalytic Degradation: Employed in catalytic systems for the degradation of organic pollutants and hazardous waste, promoting environmentally friendly waste management solutions.