Hafnium Oxide Micron Powder (HfO₂, 99.9+%, 1 µm)
Technical Specifications:
- Chemical Formula: HfO₂
- Purity: 99.9+% (high purity)
- Particle Size: 1 µm (microns)
- Appearance: White to off-white powder
- Density: Approximately 9.68 g/cm³
- Melting Point: 2,700°C (4,892°F)
- Boiling Point: Sublimes at high temperatures (does not have a definitive boiling point under normal pressure)
- Molecular Weight: 210.49 g/mol
- Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in strong acids such as hydrofluoric acid (HF)
- Crystal Structure: Monoclinic, tetragonal, or cubic (depending on preparation conditions)
- Refractive Index: ~2.0
Applications:
- Semiconductor Industry:
- Hafnium Oxide is widely used as a high-k dielectric material in the semiconductor industry, particularly in metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistors. It is used in gate dielectrics for modern integrated circuits, replacing silicon dioxide to reduce power consumption and improve performance at smaller geometries.
- It enables the fabrication of high-performance microchips with reduced leakage currents, which is essential for high-speed, low-power electronics.
- Advanced Ceramics:
- Hafnium Oxide is utilized in the production of advanced ceramics, where it provides excellent mechanical strength and thermal stability. These ceramics are used in aerospace, defense, and nuclear applications where materials are exposed to extreme conditions.
- It is also used in the production of ceramic capacitors, insulating materials, and wear-resistant components.
- Optical Coatings and Thin Films:
- Hafnium Oxide is used as a thin film material in the production of optical coatings, particularly in anti-reflection coatings and high-precision mirrors. Due to its high refractive index, it is ideal for applications in laser optics, telescopes, and optical lenses.
- It is also used in the fabrication of optical fibers and photoresist materials for lithography in semiconductor manufacturing.
- Nuclear Industry:
- Hafnium Oxide is an important material in the nuclear industry due to its high neutron absorption cross-section. It is used in nuclear reactors as part of the control rods that regulate the rate of nuclear fission.
- Its ability to absorb neutrons makes it a valuable component in controlling the nuclear chain reaction in reactors.
- Energy Storage and Capacitors:
- Hafnium Oxide is studied for use in capacitors and energy storage devices due to its high dielectric constant and ability to store energy. It is used in ultra-high capacitors where space and energy density are critical factors.
- The material’s high-k properties also make it suitable for supercapacitors, which are devices used for quick bursts of energy.
- Thermal Barrier Coatings:
- Hafnium Oxide is used as a thermal barrier coating in aerospace applications, especially for jet engines and gas turbines. It helps protect components from high temperatures, extending the lifespan of critical engine parts by insulating them from heat.
- Its excellent high-temperature resistance makes it ideal for heat shields and thermal protection systems.
- Electro-optic Devices:
- Hafnium Oxide is being explored in electro-optic devices where it can be used to modify the properties of light in applications such as light modulators, beam steering, and optical switches.
- Due to its ability to influence the refractive index under an applied electric field, it is studied for use in optical communications and integrated photonics.
- Solar Cells:
- Hafnium Oxide is being investigated as a material in solar cells, particularly in thin-film photovoltaic technologies. Its high refractive index and stability make it an excellent candidate for improving the efficiency of light absorption in solar energy harvesting devices.
- Superconducting Materials:
- Hafnium Oxide is studied in the development of superconducting materials for high-temperature superconductivity applications. The material’s high thermal and electrical conductivity makes it a candidate for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines and particle accelerators.
- Chemical and Catalyst Applications:
- Hafnium Oxide is used in catalysis for high-temperature chemical reactions, such as in the production of methanol, hydrogenation reactions, and in refining processes in the petroleum industry.
- It is also used in fuel cell technology to increase the efficiency of reactions and reduce operational costs.
- High-Temperature Insulation:
- Hafnium Oxide is used in the manufacturing of high-temperature insulating materials for industries that require the protection of components exposed to extreme heat, such as space exploration, aerospace, and high-heat furnaces.
- Laser Technology:
- Hafnium Oxide is also utilized in laser technology, where its properties are used in high-energy lasers and laser crystals. The material’s high thermal conductivity and stability are beneficial for laser diodes and laser amplifiers.
Hafnium Oxide Micron Powder (HfO₂, 99.9+, 1 µm) is a highly versatile and high-performance material used in a wide range of high-tech industries. Its unique combination of thermal stability, high dielectric constant, and neutron-absorbing properties makes it essential in the development of advanced electronics, nuclear technology, aerospace applications, and energy storage systems. The small particle size and high purity contribute to its excellent performance in demanding applications.