Technical Specifications:
- Chemical Composition:
- Primary Ingredient: Zirconium Oxide (ZrO2)
- Purity: 99.95% (ultra-high purity with minimal impurities)
- Nanoparticle Size:
- Particle Size: 20 nm (nanometers)
- Particle Shape: Typically spherical or slightly irregular depending on the synthesis method.
- Surface Area:
- High surface area due to the nanoscale size, enhancing reactivity and performance in applications such as catalysis and ceramics.
- Crystal Structure:
- Structure: ZrO2 can exhibit monoclinic, tetragonal, or cubic crystal phases, with the tetragonal and cubic phases being particularly desirable for high-temperature and structural applications.
- Density:
- The nanopowder has a lower apparent density compared to bulk zirconium oxide due to its fine size and porosity.
- Other Characteristics:
- Color: White or off-white.
- Reactivity: High surface reactivity due to the small particle size.
- Thermal Stability: Exceptional resistance to high temperatures, making it ideal for applications requiring durability under thermal stress.
Applications:
- Advanced Ceramics:
- Purpose: ZrO2 is widely used for its high strength, toughness, and thermal resistance.
- Application: ZrO2 nanoparticles are used in structural ceramics, such as cutting tools, wear-resistant components, and engine parts. The material’s toughness makes it suitable for high-performance ceramics used in aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications.
- Dental and Medical Implants:
- Purpose: Zirconium oxide is biocompatible and exhibits excellent mechanical properties, making it ideal for medical applications.
- Application: ZrO2 is used in dental crowns, bridges, and implants due to its strength, wear resistance, and biocompatibility. It is also applied in orthopedic implants such as hip and knee replacements.
- Catalysis:
- Purpose: ZrO2 is a highly effective catalyst and catalyst support due to its high surface area and thermal stability.
- Application: ZrO2 nanoparticles are used in catalytic converters, fuel cell electrodes, and chemical reactors. They are effective in oxidation and hydrogenation reactions and are used in environmental and industrial catalytic processes.
- Thermal Barrier Coatings:
- Purpose: ZrO2 provides excellent thermal insulation and high-temperature resistance.
- Application: ZrO2 nanoparticles are used in thermal barrier coatings for turbine blades, engine components, and other high-temperature systems in aerospace and power generation. The material helps protect underlying components from extreme heat.
- Optical Devices:
- Purpose: ZrO2 has a high refractive index and optical transparency, making it suitable for optical applications.
- Application: ZrO2 is used in optical coatings, lenses, and photonic devices. It is particularly valuable in high-performance optical components requiring durability and clarity.
- Fuel Cells:
- Purpose: ZrO2 is a key material in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) due to its ionic conductivity at high temperatures.
- Application: ZrO2 nanoparticles are used as electrolytes in SOFCs to enhance efficiency and durability. They help in the generation of clean energy in industrial and residential fuel cell applications.
- Energy Storage:
- Purpose: ZrO2’s electrochemical stability makes it useful in energy storage applications.
- Application: ZrO2 nanoparticles are used in lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors to improve charge/discharge stability, enhance cycle life, and increase energy density.
- Environmental Remediation:
- Purpose: ZrO2’s catalytic properties make it suitable for the removal of pollutants from water and air.
- Application: ZrO2 nanoparticles are used in photocatalytic systems for breaking down organic pollutants, heavy metals, and other contaminants. They are also effective in gas purification and industrial waste treatment.
- Abrasives and Polishing Agents:
- Purpose: ZrO2 is valued for its hardness and durability, making it an excellent abrasive material.
- Application: ZrO2 nanoparticles are used in polishing agents for glass, metal, and ceramic surfaces. They provide a high-quality finish in optical and electronic polishing applications.
- 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing:
- Purpose: ZrO2’s fine particle size and thermal stability make it suitable for use in advanced manufacturing processes.
- Application: ZrO2 is used in 3D printing and additive manufacturing for producing high-performance ceramic components. It is particularly valuable in aerospace and medical industries.
Key Benefits:
- High Purity: The 99.95% purity ensures minimal contamination, which is critical for applications in medical devices, fuel cells, and optical components.
- Thermal Stability: Exceptional resistance to high temperatures makes ZrO2 ideal for applications like thermal barrier coatings, fuel cells, and advanced ceramics.
- Mechanical Strength: ZrO2’s high toughness and strength make it a preferred material for structural components and medical implants.
- Versatility: The ability to exist in multiple crystal phases provides flexibility for use in a variety of industrial, medical, and technological applications.
- Catalytic Efficiency: The high surface area and thermal stability of ZrO2 nanoparticles make them highly effective in catalytic and environmental remediation processes.
Zirconium oxide nanoparticles are an indispensable material across diverse industries, including healthcare, aerospace, energy, optics, and environmental science, owing to their outstanding mechanical, thermal, and optical properties.
