Jun 18 2013
Nanoparticles are the microparticles having one or more dimensions of the order of 100 nm or less. Currently, nanoparticles are of great scientific interest due to their greater surface area per weight and wide range of applications.
Niobium is a ductile, paramagnetic metal that becomes superconducting at cryogenic temperatures. It is very soft in its purest form, but impurities make it harder. It has a low capture cross-section for thermal neutrons, and hence it can be used in nuclear industries.
Niobium nanoparticles have resistance to high temperatures.
Chemical Properties
The chemical properties of niobium nanoparticles are outlined in the following table.
| Chemical Data |
| Chemical symbol |
Nb |
| CAS No. |
3/1/7440 |
| Group |
5 |
| Electronic configuration |
[Kr] 4d4 5s1 |
Physical Properties
The physical properties of niobium nanoparticles are given in the following table.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Molar mass |
92.91 g/mol |
- |
Thermal Properties
The thermal properties of niobium nanoparticles are provided in the table below.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Melting point |
2477°C |
4491°F |
| Boiling point |
4744°C |
8571°F |
Manufacturing Process
Niobium nanoparticles can be obtained by sodiothermic reduction process that uses Nb2O5 as the raw material, sodium as the reducing reagent and CaCl2, KCl, NaCl, and LiCl as the diluents. The process involves reacting 20% excessive sodium in NaCl, CaCl2, Nb2O5 molten salts at 650°C (1202°F) for 6 h. The niobium nanoparticles with high purity can be thus obtained.
Applications
The key applications areas of niobium nanoparticles are listed below:
- Electrocatalysts
- Superconductors
- Fuel cells
Source: AZoNano