Iron Oxide Nanopowder Water Dispersion (Fe₃O₄, 99.9%, 15-20 nm, 20 wt%) is a water-based suspension containing high-purity magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles with a particle size of 15-20 nm and a concentration of 20% by weight. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the material:
1. Composition:
- Iron Oxide (Fe₃O₄):
- The material consists of Fe₃O₄, also known as magnetite, a mixed iron oxide containing both Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions. Magnetite is widely used in various applications due to its magnetic properties, chemical stability, and versatility in industrial and environmental contexts.
- Purity (99.9%):
- The 99.9% purity indicates that the nanoparticles are of high quality, with minimal impurities, which is crucial for reliable performance, especially in sensitive applications like catalysis, medical diagnostics, and environmental cleanup.
- Particle Size (15-20 nm):
- The 15-20 nm particle size gives the material a moderate surface area, which is important for enhancing reactivity and improving efficiency in applications such as catalysis, sensors, and environmental remediation. This size range also helps ensure the particles remain stable in dispersion without agglomeration.
- Concentration (20 wt%):
- The 20% by weight concentration means that 20% of the dispersion is composed of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles, with the remaining 80% being water. This relatively high concentration enhances the material’s effectiveness in applications that require a higher density of nanoparticles, such as magnetic separation or advanced catalysis.
2. Key Properties:
- High Surface Area:
- The 15-20 nm size provides a moderate to high surface area relative to the volume of the nanoparticles. This increases the reactivity of the material, making it ideal for catalytic applications, adsorption, and sensors.
- Magnetic Properties:
- Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles are highly magnetic, which makes them suitable for use in magnetic separation, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), magnetic sensors, and magnetic data storage. The magnetic properties also allow for easy manipulation using external magnetic fields.
- Chemical and Thermal Stability:
- Fe₃O₄ is stable under a range of environmental conditions, including varying pH levels and moderate temperatures. This makes it an ideal material for use in harsh industrial and environmental settings.
- Water-Based Dispersion:
- Being water-based, the dispersion is safer to handle than solvent-based alternatives. It is also more environmentally friendly and can be easily integrated into water-based processes.
3. Applications:
- Magnetic Separation:
- Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles are commonly used in magnetic separation applications, where their strong magnetic properties allow them to be easily removed from mixtures using external magnetic fields. This is useful in water purification, mining, and even the recovery of valuable materials.
- Catalysis:
- The high surface area and magnetic properties make Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles ideal for use as catalysts or catalyst supports in various chemical reactions, such as oxidation and reduction processes. They are often used in industrial catalytic processes and energy production.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):
- Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles are used as contrast agents in MRI, where they enhance the image quality by interacting with the magnetic fields. This makes them valuable for medical diagnostics, particularly in imaging soft tissues.
- Drug Delivery:
- Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles are being explored for use in drug delivery systems, where their magnetic properties allow for precise targeting of drugs to specific areas in the body, improving the efficacy and reducing side effects.
- Environmental Remediation:
- Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles are effective for use in environmental cleanup, such as the removal of heavy metals and organic pollutants from water. Their magnetic properties allow for easy recovery after remediation processes.
- Sensors:
- The magnetic properties and high surface area of Fe₃O₄ make these nanoparticles suitable for sensors, including biosensors and magnetic sensors, where the presence of certain substances can be detected through changes in magnetic properties.
- Energy Storage:
- Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles are being investigated for use in energy storage devices like supercapacitors and batteries, where they can help improve energy storage and efficiency.
4. Advantages:
- High Purity (99.9%):
- The 99.9% purity ensures minimal contamination, which is critical for applications requiring precise performance, such as in medical diagnostics or catalysis.
- Magnetic Properties:
- The magnetic properties of Fe₃O₄ make it ideal for a wide range of applications in magnetic separation, MRI, magnetic sensors, and data storage.
- Moderate to High Surface Area:
- The 15-20 nm particle size provides a moderate to high surface area, which enhances the reactivity and adsorption capacity of the material, making it highly effective for use in catalysis, adsorption, and sensor technologies.
- Water-Based Dispersion:
- The water-based nature of the dispersion makes it safer to handle and more environmentally friendly compared to solvent-based dispersions.
5. Handling and Storage:
- Handling:
- Always handle the Fe₃O₄ nanopowder dispersion with care. Use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, goggles, and masks, to avoid direct contact with the dispersion. It’s important to avoid inhaling nanopowders, so work in a well-ventilated area.
- Storage:
- Store the dispersion in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Ensure that the container is sealed tightly to prevent evaporation of the water and maintain the concentration of the suspension.
- Safety:
- While Fe₃O₄ is generally safe, it is recommended to handle the nanoparticles with caution to prevent exposure to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Always follow appropriate safety protocols when working with nanopowders.
Summary:
Iron Oxide Nanopowder Water Dispersion (Fe₃O₄, 99.9%, 15-20 nm, 20 wt%) is a high-purity, water-based suspension of magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles with a particle size of 15-20 nm and a concentration of 20% by weight. It has magnetic properties, high surface area, and chemical stability, making it suitable for a variety of applications, including magnetic separation, catalysis, MRI, drug delivery, environmental remediation, sensors, and energy storage. The water-based nature makes it safer to handle and environmentally friendly. The high purity ensures consistent performance in sensitive applications, while the magnetic properties make it ideal for a wide range of industrial, biomedical, and environmental uses.