Iron Nanopowder (Fe, 99.5+%, 65-75nm)

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 levels of metal oxides, other metals, or non-metallic elements)
3. Particle Size
   • Average Size: 65–75 nm
   • Particle Size Distribution: Typically verified through SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) or TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy)
4. Morphology
   • Shape: Often near-spherical or irregular, depending on the synthesis method
   • Surface Area: Higher than bulk iron due to the nanoscale dimensions
5. Crystal Structure
   • Phase: Body-Centered Cubic (bcc)
   • Possible Variations: Minor variations may occur due to synthesis and post-processing conditions
6. Physical and Chemical Properties
   • Color: Gray to black metallic powder
   • Density (Bulk): ~7.86 g/cm³ (bulk iron; the actual powder density is lower due to nanoscale agglomeration)
   • Melting Point: ~1,538 °C
   • Boiling Point: ~2,862 °C
   • Magnetic Properties: Iron is strongly ferromagnetic; smaller particles (usually <~20 nm) may exhibit superparamagnetic behavior
7. Packaging and Storage
   • Standard Packaging: Typically sealed under inert gas (e.g., argon) or vacuum to prevent oxidation
   • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place; minimize exposure to air and moisture
   • Shelf Life: Stable if kept sealed; surface oxidation may develop if exposed to ambient conditions
8. Safety and Handling
   • Hazards:
     • Finely divided iron can oxidize or ignite in air, especially under heat or friction (pyrophoric risks)
     • Inhalation of iron dust may cause respiratory irritation
   • Recommended Protective Measures:
     • Use appropriate PPE (gloves, goggles, respirator)
     • Handle in an inert or controlled atmosphere when possible to mitigate oxidation and ignition risks

Applications

1. Magnetic Materials
   • Permanent and Soft Magnets: Iron is fundamental in magnetic material design; nanoscale iron can enhance certain magnetic characteristics
   • Magnetorheological Fluids: Iron nanopowder is employed to produce fluids whose rheological properties change under magnetic fields
2. Catalysis
   • Chemical Synthesis: Iron nanoparticles are used as catalysts for reactions such as Fischer-Tropsch synthesis or various hydrogenation processes
   • Environmental Remediation: Zero-valent iron (ZVI) nanoparticles can reduce pollutants (e.g., chlorinated solvents) in groundwater
3. Electronics and EMI Shielding
   • EMI Shielding: Iron nanomaterials can be embedded in polymers or coatings to shield electronics from electromagnetic interference
   • Power Electronics: Iron-based inductors or transformer cores can improve energy efficiency
4. Energy Storage and Conversion
   • Battery Applications: Iron or iron-based nanoparticles are researched for electrode materials in lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and other rechargeable batteries
   • Fuel Cells: Iron-containing catalysts can be used in fuel cell electrodes, although other metals are more common
5. Alloying and Metallurgy
   • Powder Metallurgy: Iron nanopowders can increase sintering efficiency and refine grain structures in metal parts
   • High-Performance Alloys: Altering microstructure in various steels or superalloys by introducing nano-iron
6. Biomedical Research (Exploratory)
   • Drug Delivery and Imaging: Iron nanoparticles (often oxide forms) are studied for targeted drug delivery and MRI contrast enhancement
   • Hyperthermia Treatment: Magnetic iron nanoparticles can generate localized heat under an alternating magnetic field for cancer therapy

In Summary

Iron Nanopowder (Fe, 99.5+%, 65–75 nm) is a high-purity, nanoscale form of iron with strong ferromagnetic properties and broad utility in catalysis, metallurgy, environmental remediation, electronics, and emerging biomedical research. The high surface area and reactivity of these particles require controlled storage and handling to ensure their stability and safe use.