Iron Oxide Nanopowder (Fe3O4, high purity, 99.5+%, 15-20 nm)

Iron oxide nanopowder (Fe₃O₄, high purity, 99.5+%, 15–20 nm) is a high-performance material known for its exceptional magnetic, chemical, and physical properties. Its slightly larger nanoparticle size, combined with high purity, makes it ideal for applications in electronics, catalysis, biomedicine, and environmental science.

Composition and Structure

• Fe₃O₄ (Magnetite):
  • A mixed-valence iron oxide with iron present in both +2 and +3 oxidation states. This gives it strong magnetic properties and semi-conductive characteristics.
  • Magnetite is one of the most stable and widely used iron oxides due to its versatile magnetic behavior.
• High Purity (99.5+%):
  • The high level of purity ensures minimal contamination, making it suitable for sensitive and precision applications, particularly in research and development.
• Particle Size (15-20 nm):
  • This particle size strikes a balance between high surface area and structural stability, providing the material with enhanced magnetic properties and reactivity.
  • The nanopowder exhibits superparamagnetic behavior, useful for applications that require dynamic magnetic properties.

Properties

1. Superparamagnetism:
   • In the absence of an external magnetic field, Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles do not retain magnetism, but under an applied field, they exhibit high magnetization. This behavior is advantageous in applications where residual magnetism is not desired.
2. High Surface Area:
   • The nanopowder’s small particle size gives it a high surface area, increasing its reactivity and adsorption capacity for catalysis and environmental applications.
3. Chemical and Thermal Stability:
   • Fe₃O₄ maintains its stability and performance in a wide range of temperatures and environments.
4. Biocompatibility:
   • Fe₃O₄ is biocompatible, making it safe for use in medical applications when properly functionalized or coated.

Applications

1. Biomedical Applications:

• Drug Delivery Systems:
  • Functionalized nanoparticles can deliver drugs directly to specific tissues or cells, guided by an external magnetic field.
• MRI Contrast Agents:
  • Enhances the clarity and resolution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), improving diagnostic capabilities.
• Hyperthermia Therapy:
  • Used in cancer treatment by generating localized heat in response to alternating magnetic fields, selectively targeting cancer cells.

2. Catalysis:

• Efficient Catalysis:
  • Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles act as catalysts in various chemical reactions, including oxidation and hydrogenation, improving efficiency and selectivity in industrial processes.
• Environmental Remediation:
  • Catalyzes the breakdown of pollutants and organic waste, contributing to environmental cleanup, such as in water and air purification systems.

3. Environmental Applications:

• Water Treatment:
  • Adsorbs contaminants such as heavy metals, dyes, and other pollutants, making it effective in water purification.
• Pollutant Degradation:
  • Assists in the degradation of harmful chemicals in air and water, improving environmental quality.

4. Energy Applications:

• Battery Technology:
  • Enhances the performance of electrodes in lithium-ion batteries, improving their charge capacity and cycle stability.
• Supercapacitors:
  • Improves energy storage and delivery in supercapacitors, which are used in high-power applications like electric vehicles and energy-efficient devices.

5. Electronics and Magnetics:

• Magnetic Storage:
  • Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles are utilized in magnetic storage devices, such as hard drives, due to their ability to store data in magnetic domains.
• Sensors:
  • Incorporated into magnetic and gas sensors, enabling the detection of various environmental or biological changes.

Safety and Handling

• Health Considerations:
  • Due to their nanoscale size, Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles can penetrate biological barriers. Care should be taken during handling to avoid inhalation or skin contact. Appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, masks, and eye protection should be used.
• Environmental Impact:
  • Fe₃O₄ is generally considered to be less toxic and more environmentally friendly than other nanoparticles, but ongoing research is being conducted to fully understand its long-term effects.

Summary

Iron oxide nanopowder (Fe₃O₄, high purity, 99.5+%, 15–20 nm) offers a unique combination of magnetic behavior, high surface area, and stability, making it an ideal material for use in a variety of fields, including biomedicine, catalysis, energy, and environmental science. Its high purity ensures minimal contaminants, while its superparamagnetic properties enable dynamic applications in magnetic storage, drug delivery, and sensor technology. This material continues to be an essential component in modern nanotechnology, driving innovations across several industries.