Technical Specifications
- Material Name
- Product: Niobium Nanopowder
- Chemical Formula: Nb
- CAS Number: 7440-03-1
- Purity
- Grade: 99.9% (metal basis)
- Impurities: ≤0.1% (trace levels of oxides, other metals, or non-metallic elements)
- Particle Size
- Average Size: ~50 nm
- Particle Size Distribution: Typically verified via SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) or TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy)
- Morphology
- Shape: Near-spherical or irregular, depending on the synthesis method
- Surface Area: Significantly higher than bulk niobium due to nanoscale particle size
- Crystal Structure
- Phase: Body-Centered Cubic (bcc)
- Variations: Small deviations possible due to processing conditions
- Physical and Chemical Properties
- Color: Grayish metallic powder
- Density: Bulk density is lower than that of solid niobium due to agglomeration at the nanoscale
- Melting Point: ~2,468 °C
- Boiling Point: ~4,927 °C
- Conductivity: Niobium exhibits good electrical and thermal conductivity; nanoscale materials may show size-dependent effects
- 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; protect from air and moisture to avoid surface oxidation
- Shelf Life: Stable when properly stored; prolonged exposure to air can lead to surface oxidation
- Safety and Handling
- Hazards:
- Finely divided niobium powder may be combustible in air under certain conditions
- Inhalation of niobium dust may cause respiratory irritation
- Recommended Protective Measures:
- Use appropriate PPE (gloves, goggles, respirators)
- Handle in an inert or controlled environment to minimize risks
- Hazards:
Applications
- Superconducting Materials
- Superconducting Alloys: Niobium is a critical component in superconducting materials used in particle accelerators, MRI machines, and fusion reactors
- Thin Films: Niobium nanopowders can be used to produce superconducting thin films for advanced electronics and sensors
- Electronics and Capacitors
- Tantalum-Niobium Capacitors: Niobium is used as a replacement or complement to tantalum in high-performance capacitors due to its excellent dielectric properties
- Thin-Film Electronics: Nanoscale niobium is explored for use in thin-film technologies, such as advanced microelectronics
- Catalysis
- Chemical Reactions: Niobium nanostructures serve as catalysts or catalyst supports in selective oxidation, hydrogenation, and other reactions
- Environmental Catalysis: Potential applications in catalytic converters and pollutant removal processes
- Energy Storage and Conversion
- Battery Anodes: Niobium nanoparticles are studied for use in advanced battery systems, such as lithium-ion or sodium-ion batteries, to improve energy density and charge-discharge rates
- Hydrogen Storage: Nanoscale niobium has potential in hydrogen storage materials due to its ability to form hydrides
- Aerospace and High-Performance Alloys
- Heat-Resistant Alloys: Niobium is a key component in high-temperature alloys for aerospace, power generation, and industrial applications
- Additive Manufacturing: Niobium nanopowder can be used in 3D printing for specialized parts with high strength and corrosion resistance
- Biomedical Applications (Exploratory)
- Implants and Devices: Niobium’s biocompatibility makes it a candidate material for medical implants, although its use in nanoscale form is still under research
- Surface Coatings: Niobium nanocoatings can improve the wear resistance and biocompatibility of medical devices
- Coatings and Surface Engineering
- Protective Coatings: Niobium nanopowder can be used to produce wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant coatings
- Thin Film Deposition: Nanoscale niobium is utilized in PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) and CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) processes
In Summary
Niobium Nanopowder (Nb, 99.9%, 50 nm) is a high-purity, nanoscale material with exceptional properties suitable for applications in superconductors, advanced electronics, catalysis, energy storage, and high-performance alloys. Proper storage and inert handling are essential to maintaining the powder’s reactivity and preventing oxidation. Its unique combination of biocompatibility, conductivity, and thermal stability makes it a valuable material for both industrial and research applications.