Niobium Nanopowder (Nb, 99.9%, 50nm)

Technical Specifications

1. Material Name
   • Product: Niobium Nanopowder
   • Chemical Formula: Nb
   • CAS Number: 7440-03-1
2. Purity
   • Grade: 99.9% (metal basis)
   • Impurities: ≤0.1% (trace levels of oxides, other metals, or non-metallic elements)
3. Particle Size
   • Average Size: ~50 nm
   • Particle Size Distribution: Typically verified via SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) or TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy)
4. Morphology
   • Shape: Near-spherical or irregular, depending on the synthesis method
   • Surface Area: Significantly higher than bulk niobium due to nanoscale particle size
5. Crystal Structure
   • Phase: Body-Centered Cubic (bcc)
   • Variations: Small deviations possible due to processing conditions
6. 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
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; protect from air and moisture to avoid surface oxidation
   • Shelf Life: Stable when properly stored; prolonged exposure to air can lead to surface oxidation
8. 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

Applications

1. 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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.