Jul 12 2013
Nanoparticle research had progressed rapidly in the recent years mainly due to the unique properties of basic elements that are brought about by altering their atomic and molecular properties. By virtue of these properties, nanoparticles have found many applications in the field of biomedicine, cosmetics, electronics, coatings and plastics, etc. This article deals with the properties and applications of tungsten oxide nanoparticles.
Tungsten oxide (WO3) nanopowders or nanoparticles are available in the form of nanofluids or faceted high surface area oxide particles exhibiting magnetism. Other forms in which these particles are available are dispersed, transparent, high purity and coated forms. Tungsten belongs to Block D, Period 6 while oxygen belongs to Block P, Period 2 of the periodic table.
Chemical Properties
The following tables list the chemical properties of tungsten oxide.
| Chemical Data |
| Chemical symbol |
WO3 |
| CAS No |
1314-35-8 |
| Group |
Tungsten 6
Oxygen 16 |
| Electronic configuration |
Tungsten [Xe] 4f14 5d4 6s2
Oxygen [He] 2s2 2p4 |
| Chemical Composition |
| Element |
Content (%) |
| Tungsten |
79.29 |
| Oxygen |
20.69 |
Physical Properties
Tungsten oxide nanoparticles appear in the form of a yellow powder having a nearly spherical morphology. The table below provides the physical properties of these nanoparticles.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Density |
7.16 g/cm3 |
0.258 lb/in3 |
| Molar Mass |
231.84 g/mol |
- |
Thermal Properties
The thermal properties of tungsten oxide nanoparticles are as below.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Melting Point |
1473 °C |
2683° F |
| Boiling Point |
1700° C |
3092° F |
Applications
Given below are some of the chief applications of tungsten oxide nanoparticles:
- In the manufacture of conducting and semi-conducting materials
- In optics and mechanochemical applications.
Source: AZoNano