Iron Nanopowder (Fe, 99.5+%, 35-45nm)

Technical Specifications

1. Material Name
   • Product: Iron Nanopowder
   • Chemical Formula: Fe
   • CAS Number: 7439-89-6
2. Purity
   • Grade: 99.5+% (metal basis)
   • Impurities: ≤0.5% (trace amounts of metal oxides, other metals, or non-metallic elements)
3. Particle Size
   • Average Size: 35–45 nm
   • Particle Size Distribution: Typically confirmed using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) or TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy)
4. Morphology
   • Shape: Often near-spherical or irregular, depending on synthesis route
   • Surface Area: Significantly higher than bulk iron due to the nanoscale particle size
5. Crystal Structure
   • Phase: Body-Centered Cubic (bcc)
   • Possible Variations: Minor structural variations can occur due to synthesis or post-processing conditions
6. Physical and Chemical Properties
   • Color: Gray to black metallic powder
   • Density (Bulk): ~7.86 g/cm³ (bulk iron; actual powder density will be lower due to nanoscale porosity/agglomeration)
   • Melting Point: ~1,538 °C
   • Boiling Point: ~2,862 °C
   • Magnetic Properties: Iron is strongly ferromagnetic; at the nanoscale, superparamagnetic effects can emerge in very small particles (<~20 nm)
7. Packaging and Storage
   • Standard Packaging: Typically sealed under inert gas (e.g., argon) or vacuum-sealed to prevent oxidation
   • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place; protect from air and moisture
   • Shelf Life: Stable if kept sealed; surface oxidation may occur if exposed to air
8. Safety and Handling
   • Hazards:
     • Fine iron powders can be pyrophoric—may oxidize or ignite in air, especially under high temperature or friction
     • Inhalation of iron dust may irritate the respiratory tract
   • Recommended Protective Measures:
     • Use appropriate PPE (e.g., gloves, goggles, respirator)
     • Handle under inert or controlled atmosphere when possible to reduce oxidation and fire risks

Applications

1. Magnetic Materials
   • Permanent Magnets and Soft Magnetic Composites: Iron is a base metal for many ferromagnetic applications; nanoscale iron can enhance magnetic performance (e.g., higher coercivity or permeability in certain formulations)
   • Magnetorheological Fluids: Iron nanopowders are used to create fluids whose viscosity changes in the presence of a magnetic field
2. Catalysis
   • Chemical Synthesis: Iron nanoparticles can act as catalysts in various organic reactions (e.g., Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, hydrogenation reactions) due to high surface area
   • Environmental Applications: Zero-valent iron (ZVI) nanoparticles are used for groundwater remediation (e.g., reduction of chlorinated compounds)
3. Electronics and EMI Shielding
   • Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Shielding: Iron nanomaterials can be incorporated into polymers or coatings to provide effective EMI shielding
   • Inductors and Transformers: High-permeability iron-based cores can improve energy efficiency
4. Energy Storage and Conversion
   • Battery Materials: Nanoscale iron or iron oxides are investigated as electrode materials for lithium-ion, sodium-ion, or other battery systems
   • Fuel Cells: Iron nanocatalysts (including iron oxides or iron-based composites) can be applied to certain electrode reactions
5. Alloying and Metallurgical Applications
   • Powder Metallurgy: Iron nanopowders can improve sintering behavior and final mechanical properties of metal parts
   • Advanced Alloys: Used to modify microstructures in high-performance alloys
6. Biomedical Research (Exploratory)
   • Drug Delivery and Imaging: Iron nanoparticles, especially when surface-modified (e.g., with polymers), can be used for targeted drug delivery and as contrast agents in MRI (though iron oxide is more common for biocompatibility)
   • Hyperthermia Treatment: Magnetic iron particles can generate heat under alternating magnetic fields, a potential therapy for cancer

In Summary

Iron Nanopowder (Fe, 99.5+%, 35–45 nm) is a high-purity, nanoscale iron powder known for its strong ferromagnetic properties, catalytic potential, and utility in powder metallurgy. Its large surface area and reactive nature enable applications in areas such as EMI shielding, environmental remediation, and advanced alloys. Proper storage and handling in inert or controlled conditions are crucial to maintaining its reactivity and ensuring user safety.