Technical Specifications
- Material Name
- Product: Nickel Nanopowder
- Chemical Formula: Ni
- CAS Number: 7440-02-0
- Purity
- Grade: 99.9% (metal basis)
- Impurities: ≤0.1% (trace amounts of oxides or other metallic/non-metallic elements)
- Particle Size
- Average Size: ~40 nm
- Particle Size Distribution: Typically verified via SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) or TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy)
- Morphology
- Shape: Often near-spherical or irregular, depending on the synthesis method
- Surface Area: Significantly higher than bulk nickel due to nanoscale dimensions
- Crystal Structure
- Phase: Face-Centered Cubic (fcc)
- Possible Variations: Minor structural differences can occur based on production or post-processing
- Physical and Chemical Properties
- Color: Silvery, metallic-gray powder
- Bulk Density: Lower than bulk nickel because of nanoscale agglomeration
- Melting Point: ~1,455 °C
- Boiling Point: ~2,913 °C
- Magnetic Properties: Nickel is ferromagnetic; nanoscale particles may exhibit unique magnetic behaviors
- Packaging and Storage
- Standard Packaging: Typically sealed under inert gas (e.g., argon) or vacuum to minimize oxidation
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry location; protect from air, moisture, and oxidizing agents
- Shelf Life: Stable if stored properly; surface oxidation can occur if exposed to air
- Safety and Handling
- Hazards:
- Fine nickel powder can be combustible in air under certain conditions
- Nickel dust may cause skin or respiratory irritation in some individuals
- Recommended Protective Measures:
- Use appropriate PPE (gloves, goggles, respirators)
- Handle under an inert atmosphere or controlled conditions to reduce oxidation and fire risk
- Hazards:
Applications
- Catalysis
- Hydrogenation and Reforming: Nickel nanoparticles serve as catalysts in a variety of chemical reactions, especially hydrogenation processes
- Electrochemical Reactions: Potential use in fuel cells and electrolyzers for enhanced catalytic activity
- Magnetic Materials
- Magnetorheological Fluids: Nickel nanoparticles can be incorporated into smart fluids whose viscosity changes under a magnetic field
- Magnetic Storage and Sensors: Nanoscale nickel may be explored in data storage media and sensor applications exploiting magnetic properties
- Electronics and Conductive Inks
- Printed Electronics: Nickel nanopowder is used in conductive pastes, inks, or coatings to produce low-cost, flexible electronic components
- EMI Shielding: The ferromagnetic nature of nickel can provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding in devices or enclosures
- Metallurgy and Alloying
- Powder Metallurgy: Nanoscale nickel can help improve sintering behavior and mechanical properties in nickel-based alloys
- Advanced Alloys: Nickel is a key component in superalloys for high-temperature and corrosion-resistant applications
- Battery and Energy Storage
- Battery Electrodes: Nickel and nickel-based composites are used in rechargeable batteries (e.g., NiMH, Li-ion cathodes)
- Supercapacitors: Nickel nanoparticles or nickel oxides can enhance electrode conductivity and energy density
- Biomedical Research (Exploratory)
- Drug Delivery and Hyperthermia: Magnetic nickel nanoparticles could theoretically be used for targeted drug delivery or hyperthermia treatments, although iron oxide is more common due to lower toxicity concerns
- Biosensors: Used in electrochemical biosensors if surface-functionalized appropriately
In Summary
Nickel Nanopowder (Ni, 99.9%, 40 nm) is a high-purity, nanoscale form of nickel with notable ferromagnetic and catalytic properties. Thanks to its high surface area and unique reactivity, it is valuable in catalysis, magnetic materials, electronics, and advanced alloying. Careful handling and storage under inert conditions are critical to prevent oxidation and ensure safety.