Silicon Nanopowder (Si, 99%, 80nm)

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 other non-metallic elements)
3. Particle Size
   • Average Size: ~80 nm
   • Particle Size Distribution: Typically confirmed using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) or TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy)
4. Morphology
   • Shape: Near-spherical or irregular, depending on the production method
   • Surface Area: High surface area compared to bulk silicon, though lower than smaller nanoparticles (<50 nm)
5. Crystal Structure
   • Phase: Cubic diamond structure (crystalline silicon)
   • Variations: Potentially minor amorphous content depending on synthesis conditions
6. Physical and Chemical Properties
   • Color: Black or dark gray powder
   • Bulk Density: Lower than bulk silicon due to nanoscale 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 show modified electrical behavior due to size effects
7. Packaging and Storage
   • Standard Packaging: Sealed in airtight containers under inert gas (e.g., argon) or vacuum-sealed 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; surface oxidation can occur if exposed to air for extended periods
8. Safety and Handling
   • Hazards:
     • Fine silicon powder may ignite if exposed to high heat or strong oxidizing agents
     • Silicon dust can irritate the respiratory tract if inhaled
   • Recommended Protective Measures:
     • Use PPE, including gloves, goggles, and respirators
     • Handle in a controlled or inert environment to minimize the risk of oxidation or combustion

Applications

1. Energy Storage
   • Battery Anodes: Silicon nanoparticles are investigated for lithium-ion battery anodes due to their high theoretical capacity, offering significant energy density improvements over graphite-based anodes
   • Supercapacitors: Silicon nanostructures enhance the performance of supercapacitors, including energy density and charge-discharge rates
2. Electronics and Semiconductors
   • Microelectronics: Fundamental material for semiconductor components; nanoscale silicon can improve the performance of advanced electronic devices
   • Photovoltaics: Silicon nanoparticles are utilized in thin-film and hybrid solar cells to improve light absorption and efficiency
3. Nanocomposites
   • Reinforced Materials: Silicon nanoparticles are used to improve the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of polymers, ceramics, and metals
   • Lightweight Components: Widely used in aerospace and automotive applications for creating high-strength, lightweight materials
4. Catalysis
   • Chemical Reactions: Silicon nanoparticles serve as catalysts or catalyst supports in selective chemical reactions
   • Environmental Applications: Used in photocatalytic systems for pollutant degradation
5. Biomedical Applications (Exploratory)
   • Drug Delivery: Nanoscale silicon is studied for its potential in targeted drug delivery due to its biocompatibility and large surface area
   • Biosensors: Functionalized silicon nanoparticles are used for highly sensitive detection of biomolecules
6. Coatings and Surface Engineering
   • Antireflective Coatings: Silicon nanopowder is applied in optical coatings to reduce reflection and improve light transmission
   • Wear-Resistant Coatings: Enhances surface durability and thermal resistance
7. Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing
   • Silicon-Based Powders: Silicon nanoparticles are used in additive manufacturing for producing components with advanced thermal and electronic properties
8. Optoelectronics
   • Light-Emitting Devices: Explored for photonic applications, including LEDs and quantum-dot-based devices
   • Infrared Sensors: Silicon’s transparency in the IR spectrum is advantageous for sensor technologies

In Summary

Silicon Nanopowder (Si, 99%, 80 nm) is a high-purity, nanoscale material suitable for diverse applications in energy storage, electronics, catalysis, and nanocomposites. While its size offers reduced surface area compared to smaller nanoparticles, it retains significant advantages over bulk silicon in terms of reactivity and functionality. Proper storage under inert conditions and careful handling are essential for maintaining quality and ensuring safety.