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: ~100 nm
- Particle Size Distribution: Typically verified using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) or TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy)
- Morphology
- Shape: Near-spherical or irregular, depending on the synthesis method
- Surface Area: Higher than bulk nickel but lower than smaller (<100 nm) nanoparticles
- Crystal Structure
- Phase: Face-Centered Cubic (fcc)
- Variations: Minor differences may arise due to manufacturing or post-processing conditions
- Physical and Chemical Properties
- Color: Silvery, metallic-gray powder
- Bulk Density: Lower than bulk nickel due to 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: Sealed under inert gas (e.g., argon) or vacuum to reduce oxidation
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry environment; protect from air, moisture, and oxidizing agents
- Shelf Life: Stable if sealed properly; surface oxidation may occur if exposed to air over time
- Safety and Handling
- Hazards:
- Finely divided nickel powder may ignite if exposed to air under high temperature or friction
- Nickel dust may cause skin or respiratory irritation; prolonged exposure may lead to sensitization
- Recommended Protective Measures:
- Use PPE such as gloves, goggles, and respirators
- Handle in an inert or controlled environment to prevent oxidation and minimize risks
- Hazards:
Applications
- Catalysis
- Chemical Reactions: Nickel nanoparticles are widely used as catalysts for hydrogenation, reforming, and other industrial chemical processes
- Electrochemical Reactions: Used in fuel cells and electrolyzers for improved catalytic efficiency
- Magnetic Materials
- Magnetorheological Fluids: Incorporated into smart fluids for applications where viscosity changes in response to magnetic fields
- Magnetic Sensors and Storage: Investigated for use in magnetic data storage and advanced sensing technologies
- Electronics and Conductive Inks
- Conductive Coatings: Nickel nanopowders are used in conductive pastes, inks, and coatings for flexible and printed electronics
- EMI Shielding: Effective in shielding devices from electromagnetic interference due to ferromagnetic properties
- Metallurgy and Alloying
- Powder Metallurgy: Nanoscale nickel enhances sintering processes and improves the mechanical properties of nickel-based and other metal alloys
- Superalloys: A critical component in high-temperature, corrosion-resistant alloys for aerospace and other demanding applications
- Energy Storage and Conversion
- Battery Materials: Nickel is used in rechargeable batteries (e.g., nickel-metal hydride, lithium-ion cathodes)
- Supercapacitors: Nickel nanoparticles and nickel oxide are explored as electrode materials for enhanced performance
- Biomedical Research (Exploratory)
- Hyperthermia and Drug Delivery: Although not as common as iron oxide, nickel’s magnetic properties make it a potential candidate for cancer hyperthermia treatments or drug delivery platforms
- Biosensors: Surface-functionalized nickel nanoparticles may be used in electrochemical biosensors for detecting biomolecules
In Summary
Nickel Nanopowder (Ni, 99.9%, 100 nm) is a high-purity, nanoscale material offering excellent magnetic and catalytic properties. Its applications span from catalysis and electronics to EMI shielding and energy storage. While its particle size is larger compared to smaller nanoparticles, it still provides significant surface area and reactivity advantages over bulk materials. Proper handling and inert-atmosphere storage are essential to ensure quality and user safety.