Cuprous Oxide Micron Powder (Cu₂O, 99.9%, 1 µm)
Technical Specifications:
- Chemical Formula: Cu₂O
- Purity: 99.9% (high purity)
- Particle Size: 1 µm (microns)
- Appearance: Reddish-brown to red powder
- Density: Approximately 6.0 g/cm³
- Melting Point: 1,323°C (2,413°F)
- Boiling Point: Sublimes at high temperatures (does not have a definitive boiling point under normal pressure)
- Molecular Weight: 143.09 g/mol
- Solubility: Insoluble in water but soluble in acids such as nitric acid (HNO₃)
- Crystal Structure: Cubic (for low-temperature form) and tetrahedral (for high-temperature form)
Applications:
- Pesticides and Fungicides:
- Cuprous Oxide is widely used in agriculture as a fungicide and pesticide. It is applied to control fungal infections in crops like grapes, apples, and tomatoes. Cuprous oxide is effective in preventing diseases like downy mildew, powdery mildew, and other fungal infections affecting plants.
- Anticorrosive Coatings:
- Cuprous Oxide is used in marine and industrial coatings as an antifouling agent to prevent the growth of algae, barnacles, and other organisms on ships, offshore platforms, and submerged structures.
- It is also used in rust-prevention coatings for various metal surfaces due to its ability to inhibit corrosion.
- Semiconductors and Electronics:
- Cuprous Oxide is utilized in the production of semiconductors, where it is sometimes used as a p-type semiconductor material in electronic devices. Its electronic properties make it suitable for use in photovoltaic cells, solar energy devices, and diodes.
- Catalysis:
- Cuprous Oxide is employed as a catalyst in various chemical reactions, such as in the reduction of nitro compounds, hydrocarbon oxidation, and carbon monoxide oxidation.
- It is also used as a catalyst in the synthesis of other copper-based compounds, which are important in organic chemistry and industrial applications.
- Manufacture of Copper Compounds:
- Cuprous Oxide is a precursor in the synthesis of other copper compounds, such as copper(I) chloride (CuCl), copper(I) sulfate (Cu₂SO₄), and copper(I) bromide (CuBr), which are used in a variety of chemical and industrial processes.
- Electrochemical Applications:
- Due to its conductive properties, Cuprous Oxide is used in electrochemical applications, including batteries and fuel cells, where it plays a role in improving the electrochemical performance and efficiency of the devices.
- Photovoltaic Devices:
- Cuprous Oxide is being investigated as a potential material for photovoltaic devices (solar cells), particularly in thin-film solar technologies. Its semiconductor properties enable it to absorb light and convert it into electrical energy.
- Optical Applications:
- Cuprous Oxide is also studied for use in optical coatings and light-sensitive materials, where it can be utilized in the production of optical filters and dye-sensitized solar cells.
- Organic Synthesis:
- Cuprous Oxide serves as a reagent in organic synthesis, particularly in coupling reactions, such as Sonogashira coupling and Glaser coupling reactions. These reactions are important for the production of various organic compounds used in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and fine chemicals.
- Glass and Ceramics:
- Cuprous Oxide is used in the manufacture of colored glass and ceramics, where it imparts a red hue. It is sometimes included in the production of ceramic glazes and other materials that require specific color properties.
- Battery and Energy Storage Devices:
- Cuprous Oxide is explored as a potential material for cathodes in lithium-ion batteries and other energy storage devices due to its ability to store and release energy efficiently. It is being researched for its role in improving battery performance and energy density.
- Environmental Remediation:
- Cuprous Oxide can also be used in environmental cleanup, particularly in the removal of heavy metals and organic pollutants from water and soil. It has been shown to be effective in adsorbing toxic substances, making it a useful material in water treatment processes.
Cuprous Oxide Micron Powder (Cu₂O, 99.9%, 1 µm) is a highly versatile material with a wide range of applications in agriculture, electronics, catalysis, and environmental protection. Its unique properties, such as its conductivity, catalytic activity, and ability to prevent corrosion, make it an essential material in various industries and research fields.
