Technical Specifications
1. General Information
- Product Name: Nickel Oxide Nanopowder
- Chemical Formula: NiO
- Purity: ≥ 99.5%
- Particle Size: 15-35 nm
- Form: Fine nanopowder
- Color: Black to dark green, depending on particle size and processing method
2. Chemical Composition
- Elemental Composition: Nickel (Ni) and Oxygen (O) in a 1:1 ratio (NiO)
- Impurities: Trace amounts of other metal oxides, oxygen, and possible residual synthesis by-products
- Moisture Content: ≤ 1%
3. Physical Properties
- Particle Size Distribution: 15-35 nm with a controlled size distribution
- Surface Area: 50-150 m²/g (varies based on processing)
- Density:
- Bulk Density: 6.8 g/cm³
- Tap Density: 5.3 g/cm³
- Melting Point: 1,913°C
- Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
- Thermal Stability: Stable up to approximately 1,000°C
- Crystalline Structure: Cubic (rock salt) crystal structure
4. Morphological Characteristics
- Shape: Primarily spherical or near-spherical nanoparticles
- Agglomeration: Moderate tendency to agglomerate; may require dispersants or surface treatments for uniform distribution in applications
- Surface Morphology: Smooth to slightly rough surfaces, potentially with functional groups depending on processing and functionalization
5. Handling and Storage
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place away from reducing agents and moisture
- Packaging: Typically available in sealed, moisture-resistant containers to prevent contamination and moisture absorption
- Safety Precautions:
- Avoid inhalation of fine dust particles; use appropriate respiratory protection
- Wear protective gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing during handling
- Handle in a well-ventilated area or under an inert atmosphere if necessary
- Prevent exposure to open flames or high temperatures as nickel oxide can act as an oxidizing agent
6. Regulatory Compliance
- Standards: Complies with relevant material safety standards such as REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) and RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
- Certifications: May vary based on manufacturer; ensure compliance with local and international regulations as applicable
7. Synthesis Methods
- Chemical Precipitation: Involves precipitating nickel salts in the presence of a base to form NiO nanoparticles, allowing control over particle size and morphology
- Sol-Gel Processes: Uses the transition of a system from a liquid “sol” into a solid “gel” phase, enabling fine control over particle size and distribution
- Hydrothermal Synthesis: Conducts reactions in aqueous solutions at high temperatures and pressures to produce high-purity NiO nanoparticles with controlled crystallinity
- Thermal Decomposition: Decomposes nickel salts at elevated temperatures to form NiO nanoparticles
- Microwave-Assisted Synthesis: Uses microwave radiation to accelerate the chemical reactions, resulting in uniform particle sizes and reduced synthesis times
8. Functionalization
- Surface Treatments: Can be functionalized with various chemical groups (e.g., hydroxyl, carboxyl, amine) to enhance compatibility with different matrices or to impart specific properties such as hydrophobicity, electrical conductivity, or catalytic activity
- Dispersants: May require the addition of dispersing agents or surfactants to prevent agglomeration in composite materials and ensure uniform distribution
Applications
1. Energy Storage and Conversion
- Battery Materials: NiO is used in lithium-ion and other advanced battery technologies to improve energy density, charge-discharge rates, and cycle life. NiO serves as an anode or cathode material.
- Supercapacitors: Incorporated into supercapacitor electrodes to increase capacitance and energy storage capacity, benefiting from high surface area and conductivity.
- Fuel Cells: Acts as a catalyst support or active material in fuel cells, improving efficiency, stability, and power output through NiO’s electrochemical properties.
2. Catalysts and Chemical Industry
- Catalysis in Hydrogenation: NiO is employed in catalytic applications for hydrogenation reactions, improving reaction rates and selectivity in the production of chemicals.
- Environmental Catalysts: Used in catalytic converters and environmental remediation to reduce harmful emissions and pollutants through catalytic oxidation and reduction.
- Photocatalysis: NiO nanoparticles are used in photocatalytic applications, such as water splitting for hydrogen production or degradation of organic pollutants under UV light.
3. Environmental Applications
- Water Treatment: Investigated for use in advanced adsorption processes to remove heavy metals, organic contaminants, and pollutants from water, thereby improving water quality and safety.
- Pollution Control: Employed in materials designed to capture or neutralize harmful substances in industrial emissions, contributing to cleaner air and reduced environmental impact.
- Wastewater Treatment: Used in photocatalytic processes for wastewater treatment, breaking down toxic organic pollutants into harmless byproducts.
4. Electronics and Semiconductors
- Semiconductor Devices: NiO is used as a semiconductor material in thin films, solar cells, and other electronic devices due to its unique electrical properties, especially for p-type semiconductor applications.
- Electrochromic Devices: Incorporated into electrochromic devices for smart windows and displays, enabling dynamic control of light transmission and coloration.
- Sensors and Detectors: Employed in gas sensors, oxygen sensors, and detectors for various gases, utilizing NiO’s sensitivity to changes in environmental conditions.
5. Nanocomposites
- Reinforcement Agent: Incorporated into polymer, metal, and ceramic matrices to significantly enhance mechanical properties such as strength, hardness, wear resistance, and thermal stability.
- Conductive Composites: Used in the development of conductive composites for applications requiring electrical conductivity, such as electromagnetic shielding and conductive pathways.
- Lightweight Structures: Used in the fabrication of lightweight and robust composite materials for automotive, aerospace, and sporting goods applications, contributing to performance and fuel efficiency.
6. Biomedical Applications
- Drug Delivery Systems: Incorporated into nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems for targeted therapy, controlled release of pharmaceuticals, and improved bioavailability of therapeutic agents.
- Antimicrobial Agents: Explored for use in antimicrobial coatings and materials, providing antibacterial properties for medical devices and surfaces, preventing infections in medical settings.
- Medical Imaging: NiO nanoparticles are being explored in biomedical imaging techniques, particularly as contrast agents for enhanced imaging capabilities.
7. Magnetic Materials
- Magnetic Nanomaterials: NiO nanoparticles are utilized in the development of magnetic nanomaterials for applications in data storage, sensors, and memory devices due to their magnetic properties.
- Magnetic Composites: Used in combination with other magnetic materials to create composites with tailored magnetic properties for specific applications in electronics, sensors, and energy harvesting.
8. Aerospace and Defense
- Sensors and Detection Systems: NiO is utilized in the development of advanced sensors for detection of various gases, including oxygen and pollutants, in aerospace and defense applications.
- High-Performance Coatings: Applied as a high-performance coating for materials exposed to extreme temperatures, providing protection against oxidation and corrosion.
9. Optoelectronics
- Photovoltaic Devices: NiO is used in the development of solar cells, particularly in thin-film applications, where it improves the efficiency of the cell by enhancing charge transport and stability.
- Optical Coatings: Employed in optical coating applications to improve the reflectivity, transmission, and durability of optical components like lenses and mirrors.
10. Industrial Manufacturing
- Wear-Resistant Coatings: Applied as a component in wear-resistant coatings to improve the longevity and performance of industrial machinery and tools subjected to harsh operating conditions.
- Additive Manufacturing: Utilized in advanced 3D printing and additive manufacturing processes to create complex components with enhanced material properties, such as increased strength and heat resistance.
- Magnetic Materials: Incorporated into advanced magnetic materials for use in electric motors, magnetic actuators, and sensors, enhancing performance and energy efficiency.
