Silicon Nanopowder (Si, 99%, 20-30nm)

Technical Specifications

1. Material Name
   • Product: Silicon Nanopowder
   • Chemical Formula: Si
   • CAS Number: 7440-21-3
2. Purity
   • Grade: 99% (metal basis)
   • Impurities: ≤1% (trace levels of oxides, metals, or non-metallic elements)
3. Particle Size
   • Average Size: 20–30 nm
   • Particle Size Distribution: Typically confirmed by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) or TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy)
4. Morphology
   • Shape: Near-spherical or irregular, depending on synthesis
   • Surface Area: Very high due to nanoscale particle size
5. Crystal Structure
   • Phase: Cubic diamond structure
   • Variations: Amorphous phases may be present depending on production method
6. Physical and Chemical Properties
   • Color: Black or dark gray powder
   • Bulk Density: Significantly lower than bulk silicon due to particle agglomeration
   • Melting Point: ~1,414 °C
   • Boiling Point: ~3,265 °C
   • Electrical Properties: Intrinsic semiconductor with a bandgap of ~1.12 eV; nanoscale particles may exhibit quantum effects
7. Packaging and Storage
   • Standard Packaging: Sealed under inert gas (e.g., argon) or vacuum to minimize oxidation
   • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place; protect from moisture and air
   • Shelf Life: Stable when stored properly; surface oxidation may occur over time if exposed to air
8. Safety and Handling
   • Hazards:
     • Finely divided silicon powder may be combustible and could ignite in air under specific conditions
     • Silicon dust may cause respiratory irritation if inhaled
   • Recommended Protective Measures:
     • Use PPE such as gloves, goggles, and respirators
     • Handle in an inert or controlled environment to prevent oxidation or ignition

Applications

1. Energy Storage
   • Battery Anodes: Silicon nanoparticles are widely studied for lithium-ion battery anodes due to their high theoretical capacity (up to 10x that of graphite), although challenges with volumetric expansion remain
   • Supercapacitors: Silicon nanostructures are explored to improve energy density and charge-discharge rates
2. Electronics and Semiconductors
   • Microelectronics: Silicon is a fundamental material in semiconductors, and nanoscale silicon is studied for advanced electronic components
   • Photovoltaics: Used in research for improving the efficiency of solar cells, including thin-film silicon technologies
3. Nanocomposites
   • Reinforced Materials: Silicon nanoparticles are incorporated into polymers, ceramics, and metals to enhance thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties
   • Lightweight Materials: Utilized in creating high-strength, lightweight composites for aerospace and automotive industries
4. Catalysis
   • Chemical Reactions: Silicon nanoparticles can serve as catalysts or catalyst supports, particularly in reactions involving silicon-based compounds
   • Environmental Applications: May be used in photocatalysis for pollutant degradation
5. Biomedical Applications (Experimental)
   • Drug Delivery: Nanoscale silicon’s biocompatibility and large surface area make it suitable for targeted drug delivery systems
   • Biosensors: Silicon nanostructures are explored for sensitive detection of biological molecules
6. Coatings and Surface Treatments
   • Antireflective Coatings: Silicon nanopowder is used in coatings to reduce reflection and improve optical performance
   • Protective Coatings: Added to surfaces to enhance wear resistance and thermal stability
7. Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing
   • Silicon-Based Powders: Utilized in specialty 3D printing applications for creating advanced parts with unique thermal and electronic properties
8. Optoelectronics
   • Light Emission: Nanoscale silicon may be used in photonic devices, including LEDs and lasers, due to size-dependent optical properties
   • Infrared Sensors: Silicon’s transparency in the infrared range is leveraged in sensor technologies

In Summary

Silicon Nanopowder (Si, 99%, 20–30 nm) is a high-purity, nanoscale material with exceptional surface area and semiconducting properties. It is widely studied and used in applications such as battery anodes, semiconductors, photovoltaics, and nanocomposites. Proper inert-atmosphere storage and handling are essential to maintain quality and ensure safety.