Technical Specifications
- Product Name: Gadolinium Oxide Nanopowder
- Chemical Formula: Gd₂O₃ (Gadolinium(III) Oxide)
- CAS Number: 12060-53-6
- Purity
- Grade: 99.9% (high purity)
- Impurities: ≤0.1% (trace elements and other oxides)
- Particle Size
- Range: 10–100 nm
- Particle Size Distribution: Verified using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) or TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy)
- Morphology
- Shape: Near-spherical particles with uniform distribution
- Surface Area: High, due to nanoscale dimensions, enhancing reactivity and surface area
- Crystal Structure
- Phase: Cubic
- Physical and Chemical Properties
- Color: White powder
- Density: ~7.41 g/cm³
- Melting Point: ~2,510 °C
- Thermal Stability: Stable at elevated temperatures
- Magnetic Properties: Paramagnetic, with potential use in magnetic applications due to the unique properties of Gd-based compounds
- Packaging and Storage
- Standard Packaging: Sealed in airtight, moisture-resistant containers to prevent contamination and agglomeration
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place; avoid prolonged exposure to air and moisture
- Shelf Life: Stable under proper storage conditions
- Safety and Handling
- Hazards:
- Gadolinium oxide dust may irritate the respiratory system, skin, and eyes if inhaled or exposed.
- Not classified as highly toxic but should be handled with care.
- Recommended Protective Measures:
- Use PPE (e.g., gloves, goggles, and dust masks).
- Handle in a ventilated area to minimize airborne particle exposure.
- Hazards:
Applications
- Medical Applications
- MRI Contrast Agents: Gadolinium oxide is widely used in medical imaging, particularly as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to the paramagnetic properties of gadolinium ions.
- Radiotherapy: Studied for its potential applications in cancer treatment through the use of gadolinium-based compounds for radiation sensitization.
- Energy Applications
- Nuclear Reactors: Gadolinium oxide is utilized as a neutron absorber in nuclear reactors to help control nuclear reactions.
- Fuel Cells: Explored for its use in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), where it can improve electrolyte performance.
- Nanocomposites
- Reinforcement Material: Gadolinium oxide nanopowder enhances the mechanical, optical, and thermal properties of composite materials.
- Functional Additives: Used in the formulation of advanced materials, particularly for electronics and optics, to improve their stability and performance.
- Magnetic and Optical Applications
- Magnetic Materials: Gadolinium oxide’s paramagnetic properties make it suitable for use in magnetic materials and devices.
- Optical Coatings: Applied in the production of optical coatings, especially for high-performance optical lenses and mirrors.
- Catalysis
- Catalyst for Organic Reactions: Gadolinium oxide is used as a catalyst in various chemical processes, particularly in organic reactions like hydrogenation and oxidation.
- Environmental Catalysis: Used in catalytic processes aimed at the degradation of pollutants and reduction of emissions.
- Energy Storage and Conversion
- Batteries: Investigated for its role in advanced battery technologies, particularly in improving charge/discharge cycles and energy density.
- Supercapacitors: Used in energy storage devices, such as supercapacitors, to improve performance and efficiency.
- Research and Development
- Material Science: Extensively studied for its unique magnetic, optical, and catalytic properties at the nanoscale.
- Prototype Development: Used in experimental setups for the development of advanced energy systems, biomedical imaging, and high-performance materials.
Key Features
- High Purity (99.9%): Ensures reliable performance across a wide range of applications, particularly in medical and energy sectors.
- Nanoscale Size (10–100 nm): Provides enhanced surface area and reactivity for a variety of industrial and research-based uses.
- Magnetic and Optical Properties: Ideal for use in MRI contrast agents, energy storage, and high-performance optical materials.