Jul 3 2013
Nanoparticles research is gaining increasing interest due to their unique properties, such as having increased electrical conductivity, toughness and ductility, increasing the hardness and strength of metals and alloys, formability of ceramics, luminescent efficiency of semiconductors.
This article discusses about the properties and applications of antimony oxide nanoparticles. Antimony is a Block P, Period 5 element, while oxygen is a Block P, Period 2 element.
The morphology of antimony oxide nanoparticles is spherical, and they appear as a white powder. Antimony oxide nanoparticles are graded as harmful with a possibility of causing cancer.
Chemical Properties
The chemical properties of antimony oxide nanoparticles are outlined in the following table.
| Chemical Data |
| Chemical symbol |
Sb2O3 |
| CAS No. |
1309-64-4 |
| Group |
Antimony 15
Oxygen 16 |
| Electronic configuration |
Antimony [Kr] 4d105s2 5p3
Oxygen [He] 2s2 2p4 |
| Chemical Composition |
| Element |
Content (%) |
| Antimony |
83.53 |
| Oxygen |
16.45 |
Physical Properties
The physical properties of antimony oxide nanoparticles are given in the following table.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Density |
5.2 g/cm3 |
0.187 lb/in3 |
| Molar mass |
291.52 g/mol |
- |
Thermal Properties
The thermal properties of antimony oxide nanoparticles are provided in the table below.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Melting point |
656 °C |
1213°F |
| Boiling point |
1425 °C |
2597°F |
Manufacturing Process
Antimony oxide nanoparticles can be synthesized using polyvinyl alcohol in water solution via reaction between antimony trichloride and sodium hydroxide. The nanoparticle created is 10 to 80 nm in size. High-resolution electron microscopy (HREM) and transmission electron microscopy can be used to characterize the microstructure of these nanoparticles.
Applications
The key applications of antimony oxide nanoparticles are listed below:
- In high conductivity applications
- As an antistatic additive and a flame retardant in coatings, nanowires, plastics, fiber and textiles
- In some alloy and catalyst applications
- In electrochromics or electro-optics and magnetic machines and micro-equipment due to their high conductivity
Source: AZoNano