Technical Specifications
1. General Information
- Product Name: Praseodymium Oxide Nanopowder
- Chemical Formula: Pr₆O₁₁
- Purity: ≥ 99.9%
- Particle Size: 15-55 nm
- Form: Fine nanopowder
- Color: Yellow to pale green, depending on the particle size and processing method
2. Chemical Composition
- Elemental Composition: Praseodymium (Pr) and Oxygen (O) in a 6:11 ratio (Pr₆O₁₁)
- Impurities: Trace amounts of other lanthanide elements, oxygen, and possible residual synthesis by-products
- Moisture Content: ≤ 1%
3. Physical Properties
- Particle Size Distribution: 15-55 nm with a controlled size distribution
- Surface Area: 50-150 m²/g (varies based on processing)
- Density:
- Bulk Density: 6.50 g/cm³
- Tap Density: 5.40 g/cm³
- Melting Point: 2,380°C
- Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
- Thermal Stability: Stable up to approximately 1,200°C
- Crystalline Structure: Cubic or monoclinic crystal structure depending on synthesis conditions
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 moisture and reducing agents
- 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 praseodymium 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 praseodymium salts in the presence of a base to form Pr₆O₁₁ 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 Pr₆O₁₁ nanoparticles with controlled crystallinity
- Thermal Decomposition: Decomposes praseodymium salts at elevated temperatures to form Pr₆O₁₁ nanoparticles
- Microwave-Assisted Synthesis: Uses microwave radiation to accelerate 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: Praseodymium oxide is used in advanced battery technologies to improve energy density, charge-discharge rates, and cycle life. It can be used in cathodes or as a dopant in lithium-ion and other high-performance batteries.
- Supercapacitors: Incorporated into supercapacitor electrodes to increase capacitance and energy storage capacity, benefiting from its high surface area and excellent conductivity.
- Fuel Cells: Acts as a catalyst or catalyst support in fuel cells, improving efficiency and stability through its unique electrochemical properties.
2. Catalysts and Chemical Industry
- Catalysis in Hydrogenation: Praseodymium oxide is employed in various catalytic processes, including hydrogenation reactions, improving reaction rates and selectivity in chemical production.
- Environmental Catalysts: Used in catalytic converters and environmental applications to reduce harmful emissions and pollutants through catalytic oxidation and reduction processes.
- Photocatalysis: Investigated for photocatalytic applications, such as water splitting for hydrogen production and degradation of organic pollutants under UV light.
3. Environmental Applications
- Water Treatment: Praseodymium oxide nanoparticles are being explored for use in water treatment processes to remove heavy metals, organic pollutants, and other contaminants.
- 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: Praseodymium oxide is used as a semiconductor material in thin films, especially for high-temperature or high-frequency electronic devices, due to its excellent electrical properties.
- Electrochromic Devices: Incorporated into electrochromic devices for smart windows and displays, allowing for dynamic light transmission control in energy-efficient applications.
- Gas Sensors: Employed in gas sensor technologies to detect gases like CO₂, CO, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benefiting from Pr₆O₁₁’s sensitivity to environmental changes.
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.
- 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.
- Magnetic Composites: Combined with magnetic materials to create composites with tailored magnetic properties for specific applications, including electromagnetic shielding and inductive components.
6. Biomedical Applications
- Drug Delivery Systems: Praseodymium oxide nanoparticles are being developed as part of drug delivery systems for targeted therapy, controlled release, and improved bioavailability of pharmaceutical agents.
- Medical Imaging: Used in the development of contrast agents for biomedical imaging, enhancing the resolution and accuracy of diagnostic techniques such as MRI and CT scans.
- Antimicrobial Agents: Explored for use in antimicrobial coatings and materials, providing antibacterial properties for medical devices, surgical tools, and hospital environments.
7. Magnetic Materials
- Magnetic Nanomaterials: Praseodymium oxide is incorporated into the production of high-performance magnetic materials for data storage, memory devices, and high-energy magnetic applications.
- Magnetic Composites: Used in combination with other magnetic materials to create composites with specific magnetic properties for applications in electronics, sensors, and magnetic actuators.
8. Aerospace and Defense
- Advanced Coatings: Praseodymium oxide is utilized in the aerospace industry for high-performance coatings that offer resistance to wear, corrosion, and high temperatures.
- Sensors and Detection Systems: Used in advanced sensor technologies for detecting chemical, biological, and radiological agents in defense systems.
- Laser Systems: Praseodymium oxide is used in laser materials and devices, particularly for applications in aerospace communication, targeting, and high-precision measurement systems.
9. Optoelectronics
- Phosphors for Displays: Used in the development of phosphors for displays and lighting technologies, including LEDs and lasers, providing high brightness and color efficiency.
- Optical Coatings: Employed in optical coatings for lenses, mirrors, and other optical components, enhancing the reflectivity and transmission properties of devices.
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 thermal resistance.
