Technical Specifications:
- Chemical Composition:
- Primary Ingredient: Yttrium Oxide (Y2O3)
- Purity: 99.99% (extremely high purity with minimal impurities)
- Nanoparticle Size:
- Particle Size Range: 30-45 nm (nanometers)
- Particle Shape: Typically spherical or irregular depending on the synthesis method.
- Surface Area:
- Due to its nanostructure, Y2O3 nanoparticles exhibit a large surface area, enhancing reactivity and making them suitable for various high-performance applications in electronics, catalysis, and optics.
- Crystal Structure:
- Structure: Yttrium oxide typically crystallizes in a cubic (fluorite) structure, but may also exhibit a monoclinic structure at the nanoparticle level, depending on preparation conditions.
- Density:
- The nanopowder has a relatively low apparent density compared to bulk yttrium oxide, due to its fine size and the increased porosity at the nanoscale.
- Other Characteristics:
- Color: Yttrium oxide is typically white or off-white in color, although this can slightly vary with the particle size and method of preparation.
- Reactivity: Y2O3 nanoparticles are highly reactive due to their small size, making them suitable for various catalytic, optical, and electronic applications.
Applications:
- Phosphors for Display and Lighting:
- Purpose: Yttrium oxide is commonly used as a host material for phosphors in lighting and display applications.
- Application: Y2O3 nanoparticles are used in the production of phosphors for color television tubes, flat-panel displays, and LED lighting. They serve as an important component in creating green phosphors in fluorescent lamps and display devices.
- Catalysis:
- Purpose: Y2O3 is utilized as a catalyst or a catalyst support in various chemical processes.
- Application: Yttrium oxide nanoparticles are used in catalytic processes such as automotive exhaust treatment, petroleum refining, and in the production of specialty chemicals. Their high surface area enhances the catalytic activity, making them useful in both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic reactions.
- High-Temperature Superconductors:
- Purpose: Yttrium oxide plays a critical role in the production of high-temperature superconductors.
- Application: Y2O3 nanoparticles are used in the synthesis of high-temperature superconducting materials, such as yttrium barium copper oxide (YBCO). These superconductors are widely used in applications requiring high magnetic fields, such as MRI machines, and in energy transmission systems.
- Optical Materials:
- Purpose: Due to its high refractive index and transparency in the ultraviolet (UV) to visible light range, Yttrium oxide is used in optical applications.
- Application: Y2O3 nanoparticles are used in the fabrication of optical lenses, coatings, and laser materials. Their optical properties make them useful in creating devices for lasers, optical amplifiers, and high-performance imaging systems.
- Energy Storage:
- Purpose: Yttrium oxide has potential applications in energy storage devices due to its stability and electrochemical properties.
- Application: Y2O3 nanoparticles are explored for use in batteries and supercapacitors. Their high surface area and electrochemical stability help improve the charge/discharge efficiency, cycle stability, and overall performance of these energy storage devices.
- Ceramics and Refractories:
- Purpose: Yttrium oxide is used in the production of advanced ceramics due to its high melting point and chemical stability.
- Application: Y2O3 nanoparticles are used in the production of high-performance ceramics, such as in the aerospace, automotive, and electronics industries. They are used in refractory materials that can withstand extreme temperatures and in ceramic superconductors.
- Medical Imaging and Radiation Shielding:
- Purpose: Yttrium oxide nanoparticles are used in medical imaging and radiation shielding applications.
- Application: Y2O3 is employed in the creation of scintillators for medical imaging devices such as X-ray and gamma-ray detectors. It is also used in radiation shielding to protect sensitive equipment or environments from harmful radiation.
- Luminescence and Lasers:
- Purpose: Yttrium oxide is used as a host material for rare earth ions in the production of laser materials and luminescent applications.
- Application: Y2O3 is used in solid-state lasers, phosphorescent materials, and for applications where light emission or absorption is required. It is often doped with lanthanides (such as europium or terbium) to improve its luminescent properties, which are utilized in display technologies, lasers, and optical communication.
- Semiconductors and Electronics:
- Purpose: Yttrium oxide is used in semiconductors and electronic devices due to its excellent insulating properties.
- Application: Y2O3 is used in the fabrication of high-performance semiconductors and as a dielectric material in electronic devices like capacitors and resistors. It enhances the performance and reliability of these electronic components.
- Hydrogen Storage:
- Purpose: Yttrium oxide is being explored for its potential in hydrogen storage systems.
- Application: Y2O3 nanoparticles are studied for use in hydrogen storage applications due to their ability to absorb and release hydrogen, making them a potential candidate for clean energy systems such as hydrogen fuel cells.
Key Benefits:
- High Purity: The high purity (99.99%) of Y2O3 ensures that it is free from contaminants, which is crucial for sensitive applications like medical imaging, electronics, and energy storage.
- Optical and Photonic Properties: Y2O3’s high refractive index and optical transparency make it ideal for use in optical devices, including lasers, lenses, and imaging systems.
- High Surface Area: The nanoparticle size (30-45 nm) provides a high surface area, improving the reactivity and efficiency of Y2O3 in catalytic, energy storage, and other applications requiring large surface interactions.
- Versatility: Y2O3 nanoparticles are used in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, energy, electronics, and environmental protection, making them a highly versatile material.
- Stability and Durability: Yttrium oxide is known for its high chemical stability, resistance to heat, and ability to withstand harsh conditions, ensuring its longevity and effectiveness in industrial and technological applications.