Technical Specifications:
- Chemical Composition:
- Primary Ingredient: Zinc Oxide (ZnO)
- Purity: 99+% (high purity with minimal impurities)
- Nanoparticle Size:
- Particle Size Range: 35-45 nm (nanometers)
- Particle Shape: Typically spherical or irregular, depending on the synthesis method.
- Surface Area:
- ZnO nanoparticles have a relatively high surface area due to their nanoscale size, which increases their reactivity, making them suitable for a variety of applications in catalysis, electronics, and environmental cleanup.
- Crystal Structure:
- Structure: ZnO typically crystallizes in a hexagonal wurtzite structure, which provides excellent optical and piezoelectric properties, as well as high stability under various conditions.
- Density:
- The nanopowder has a relatively low apparent density compared to bulk zinc oxide, owing to its fine size and high porosity.
- Other Characteristics:
- Color: Zinc oxide is typically white or off-white in color, but this can vary slightly depending on particle size and synthesis conditions.
- Reactivity: ZnO nanoparticles are highly reactive due to their large surface area, making them ideal for a wide range of catalytic, optoelectronic, and energy-related applications.
Applications:
- Sunscreens and Cosmetics:
- Purpose: ZnO is widely used for its ability to block UV radiation.
- Application: ZnO nanoparticles are commonly incorporated into sunscreens, mineral cosmetics, and skin care products. The nanoparticles provide broad-spectrum UV protection and are favored for being non-irritating and non-toxic.
- Electronics and Optoelectronics:
- Purpose: ZnO is a semiconductor material with excellent optoelectronic properties.
- Application: ZnO nanoparticles are used in light-emitting diodes (LEDs), photodetectors, and photovoltaic devices. They are particularly useful in UV light-emitting devices and as a transparent conductive oxide in solar cells and touch screens.
- Catalysis:
- Purpose: ZnO exhibits excellent catalytic properties, especially for oxidation reactions.
- Application: ZnO nanoparticles are employed as catalysts or catalyst supports in various chemical processes, including the catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and the production of fine chemicals in the chemical industry.
- Gas Sensing:
- Purpose: ZnO nanoparticles are highly sensitive to gases, making them ideal for use in gas sensors.
- Application: ZnO is used in sensors for detecting gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These sensors are widely applied in environmental monitoring, industrial safety, and air quality control.
- Photocatalysis:
- Purpose: ZnO is an effective photocatalyst, especially under UV light, for the degradation of pollutants.
- Application: ZnO nanoparticles are used for water and air purification, where they break down harmful organic compounds and pollutants under UV light. They are also used in self-cleaning surfaces and anti-fog coatings.
- Energy Storage:
- Purpose: ZnO nanoparticles are explored for use in energy storage devices due to their electrochemical properties.
- Application: ZnO is used in lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and other energy storage devices to enhance their efficiency, charge/discharge capacity, and stability over extended use.
- Antibacterial and Antifungal Coatings:
- Purpose: ZnO nanoparticles exhibit antibacterial and antifungal properties, making them useful in medical and hygiene applications.
- Application: ZnO is used in antimicrobial coatings for medical devices, wound dressings, and hygiene products such as socks and textiles. These coatings help prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi, offering protection in hospital environments and public spaces.
- Photovoltaic Devices:
- Purpose: ZnO is utilized in solar cell applications due to its semiconducting properties.
- Application: ZnO nanoparticles are used in thin-film and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) to improve electron transport and enhance the efficiency of solar energy conversion.
- Optical and Photonic Devices:
- Purpose: ZnO is a material with excellent optical properties, especially when used in thin films.
- Application: ZnO nanoparticles are used in optical coatings, photodetectors, and other photonic devices. They are utilized in applications where the ability to absorb UV light and emit visible or UV light is needed, such as in sensors and imaging systems.
- Ceramics and Refractories:
- Purpose: ZnO is used in ceramics due to its high thermal stability and insulating properties.
- Application: ZnO nanoparticles are used in the production of advanced ceramics and refractory materials that can withstand high temperatures, making them ideal for applications in aerospace, automotive, and electronic components.
Key Benefits:
- High Purity: The 99+% purity ensures that ZnO is free from contaminants, which is essential for sensitive applications like electronics, medical devices, and cosmetics.
- UV Protection: ZnO nanoparticles provide effective broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, making them ideal for sunscreens, cosmetics, and UV-blocking coatings.
- Catalytic Efficiency: ZnO’s high surface area and photocatalytic properties make it highly effective in environmental remediation, pollutant degradation, and other chemical reactions.
- Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties: ZnO nanoparticles are effective in preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi, which makes them highly useful in medical and hygiene applications.
- Versatile Applications: ZnO nanoparticles are used in a wide range of industries, including energy, electronics, healthcare, and environmental protection, making them a highly versatile material in modern technologies.
- Environmentally Friendly: Zinc oxide is non-toxic and environmentally friendly, making it safe for use in consumer products, healthcare, and environmental applications.