Apr 29 2013
Nanoparticles research is an area of extensive interest for research and for industry - market reports indicate that the demand for nanoparticles for commercial applications will continue to grow at an enormous rate for the forseeable future.
Iridium is a Block D, Period 6 element. It is a member of the platinum group of metals. It has a very high boiling point and is the most corrosion-resistant metal known. Iridium nanoparticles are graded as flammable along with the possibility of causing eye irritation.
Chemical Properties
The chemical properties of iridium nanoparticles are outlined in the following table.
| Chemical Data |
| Chemical symbol |
Ir |
| CAS No. |
7439-88-5 |
| Group |
9 |
| Electronic configuration |
[Xe] 4f145d7 6s2 |
Physical Properties
The physical properties of iridium nanoparticles are given in the following table.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Density |
22.42 g/cm3 |
0.0008 lb/in3 |
| Molar mass |
192.22 g/mol |
- |
Thermal Properties
The thermal properties of iridium nanoparticles are provided in the table below.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Melting point |
2410°C |
4370°F |
| Boiling point |
4527°C |
8180.6 °F |
Applications
Nanoparticles can be coated with a variety of metals such as gold, iridium, silver, and palladium. The resultant finishes have all the properties of solid metals. Also, they have a larger surface area which is extremely reflective. The final product is very lightweight and inexpensive.
Researchers are assessing the possibilities of applying iridium in various applications. The following are the current application areas:
- In catalysts, chemical synthesis, electrocatalysts, biphasic catalysis and hydrogenation reactions
- As a magnetic nanopowder
- In polymer membranes to create active polymer membranes
- In nanowires and other catalysis applications
- In other coatings, plastics, nanofibers and textiles
Source: AZoNano