Silicon Nanopowder (Si, 99%, 30-50nm)

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: 30–50 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 production method
   • Surface Area: Very high due to nanoscale particle size
5. Crystal Structure
   • Phase: Cubic diamond structure (crystalline silicon)
   • Variations: May include minor amorphous phases depending on processing conditions
6. Physical and Chemical Properties
   • Color: Black or dark gray powder
   • Bulk Density: Lower than bulk silicon due to agglomeration of nanoparticles
   • 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 in airtight containers under inert gas (e.g., argon) or vacuum to minimize oxidation
   • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place; protect from moisture and air exposure to prevent oxidation
   • Shelf Life: Stable when stored properly; surface oxidation may occur over time with exposure to air
8. Safety and Handling
   • Hazards:
     • Finely divided silicon may ignite if exposed to high temperatures or strong oxidizers
     • Silicon dust may irritate the respiratory system if inhaled
   • Recommended Protective Measures:
     • Use appropriate PPE, including gloves, goggles, and respirators
     • Handle in a controlled or inert atmosphere to minimize risks of oxidation and combustion

Applications

1. Energy Storage
   • Battery Anodes: Silicon nanoparticles are a promising material for lithium-ion battery anodes due to their high theoretical capacity, although challenges with volumetric expansion remain
   • Supercapacitors: Nanoscale silicon can improve energy density and charge-discharge rates in advanced energy storage systems
2. Electronics and Semiconductors
   • Microelectronics: Silicon is a fundamental material in semiconductors; its nanoscale form is studied for high-performance devices
   • Photovoltaics: Utilized in research to improve solar cell efficiency, particularly in thin-film silicon and hybrid solar cells
3. Nanocomposites
   • Reinforced Materials: Silicon nanoparticles enhance the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of polymers, ceramics, and metals
   • Lightweight Composites: Used in aerospace and automotive industries for creating high-strength, lightweight materials
4. Catalysis
   • Chemical Synthesis: Nanoscale silicon serves as a catalyst or catalyst support for specific reactions involving silicon-based compounds
   • Environmental Catalysis: Used in photocatalysis to degrade pollutants
5. Biomedical Applications (Experimental)
   • Drug Delivery: Silicon nanoparticles offer potential for targeted drug delivery systems due to their biocompatibility and large surface area
   • Biosensors: Surface-modified silicon nanostructures are explored for detecting biological molecules with high sensitivity
6. Coatings and Surface Engineering
   • Antireflective Coatings: Silicon nanoparticles reduce reflection in optical applications, improving performance in lenses and solar panels
   • Wear-Resistant Coatings: Improve surface hardness and thermal stability in various materials
7. Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing
   • Advanced Powders: Silicon nanomaterials are used in 3D printing for creating high-performance parts with unique thermal and electronic properties
8. Optoelectronics
   • Light Emission: Nanoscale silicon can exhibit photoluminescence, making it useful in LEDs and photonic devices
   • Infrared Sensors: Exploits silicon’s transparency in the infrared spectrum for sensor technologies

In Summary

Silicon Nanopowder (Si, 99%, 30–50 nm) is a high-purity, nanoscale material with excellent semiconducting properties and a high surface area. Its applications span energy storage, electronics, photovoltaics, catalysis, and nanocomposites. Proper storage under inert conditions and careful handling are crucial to maintaining its quality and ensuring safety.