Nickel Oxide Nanopowder

Nickel oxide nanopowder is a unique and highly sought-after material that has been gaining significant attention in various industries due to its exceptional properties and wide-ranging applications. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the fascinating world of nickel oxide nanopowder, exploring its composition, characteristics, applications, and the latest advancements in this field.

Overview of Nickel Oxide Nanopowder

Nickel oxide nanopowder is a nanostructured form of nickel oxide (NiO), a compound composed of nickel and oxygen atoms. At the nanoscale, these particles exhibit unique properties that differ from their bulk counterparts, making them highly desirable for a variety of applications. Nanopowders are characterized by their incredibly small particle size, typically ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers (nm) in at least one dimension.

One of the key advantages of nickel oxide nanopowder is its high surface area-to-volume ratio, which results in increased reactivity and improved performance in catalytic processes, energy storage systems, and sensor applications. Additionally, the unique properties of nanomaterials often lead to enhanced mechanical strength, thermal stability, and optical properties compared to conventional materials.

Composition and Properties of Nickel Oxide Nanopowder

Property	Description
Chemical Formula	NiO
Color	Green
Crystal Structure	Face-centered cubic (fcc) or rock salt structure
Particle Size	Typically 1 to 100 nm
Surface Area	High surface area, often exceeding 100 m²/g
Electrical Conductivity	Semiconductor
Magnetic Properties	Antiferromagnetic
Thermal Stability	Stable up to high temperatures

Nickel oxide nanopowder exhibits a distinct green color due to its unique electronic structure. It crystallizes in a face-centered cubic (fcc) or rock salt structure, where nickel and oxygen atoms are arranged in a cubic pattern. The small particle size and high surface area contribute to the enhanced reactivity and performance of nickel oxide nanopowder in various applications.

Industrial Applications of Nickel Oxide Nanopowder

Application	Description
Catalysis	Used as a catalyst or catalyst support in various chemical reactions, such as reforming, oxidation, and hydrogenation processes.
Energy Storage	Employed as an electrode material in lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells due to its high surface area and electrochemical properties.
Sensors	Utilized in gas sensors, biosensors, and chemical sensors due to its sensitivity and ability to detect various gases and biomolecules.
Electronics	Incorporated into electronic devices, such as resistive random-access memory (RRAM), transistors, and optoelectronic devices, due to its unique electrical and optical properties.
Ceramics	Used as an additive in ceramic materials to improve mechanical strength, thermal stability, and other properties.
Coatings	Applied as a protective coating on various surfaces to enhance corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and thermal insulation.

Nickel oxide nanopowder finds applications across numerous industries due to its exceptional properties. It serves as a catalyst or catalyst support in various chemical reactions, such as reforming, oxidation, and hydrogenation processes, enabling more efficient and selective reactions. Additionally, its high surface area and electrochemical properties make it an attractive material for energy storage applications, including lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells.

In the field of sensors, nickel oxide nanopowder is employed in gas sensors, biosensors, and chemical sensors due to its sensitivity and ability to detect various gases and biomolecules. Furthermore, its unique electrical and optical properties make it suitable for use in electronic devices, such as resistive random-access memory (RRAM), transistors, and optoelectronic devices.

Nickel oxide nanopowder is also utilized as an additive in ceramic materials to improve mechanical strength, thermal stability, and other properties. Additionally, it can be applied as a protective coating on various surfaces to enhance corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and thermal insulation.

Specifications and Grades of Nickel Oxide Nanopowder

Specification	Description
Purity	Typically available in purities ranging from 99% to 99.9%
Particle Size	Offered in various particle sizes, such as <50 nm, <100 nm, and <200 nm
Surface Area	Surface areas ranging from 10 m²/g to over 100 m²/g
Morphology	Spherical, cubic, or irregular shapes
Density	Bulk density ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 g/cm³
Surface Modification	Available with various surface modifications for improved dispersion and compatibility

Nickel oxide nanopowder is available in different specifications and grades to meet the diverse requirements of various applications. Purity levels ranging from 99% to 99.9% are common, ensuring high-quality and consistent performance. Particle sizes are offered in different ranges, such as <50 nm, <100 nm, and <200 nm, to cater to specific application needs.

Surface area is a crucial parameter, with nickel oxide nanopowders typically available with surface areas ranging from 10 m²/g to over 100 m²/g. The morphology of the particles can vary, including spherical, cubic, or irregular shapes, depending on the synthesis method and desired properties.

Bulk density, an important factor for handling and processing, ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 g/cm³ for nickel oxide nanopowders. Additionally, surface modifications are available to improve dispersion and compatibility with various matrices or composite materials.

Suppliers and Pricing of Nickel Oxide Nanopowder

Supplier	Price Range (USD/kg)
Sigma-Aldrich	$200 – $500
Strem Chemicals	$150 – $400
American Elements	$100 – $350
Nanoamor	$150 – $450
US Research Nanomaterials	$120 – $300

Nickel oxide nanopowder is widely available from various suppliers, both commercial and research-grade. The pricing can vary significantly depending on factors such as purity, particle size, surface area, and quantities ordered. Generally, smaller quantities are more expensive on a per-kilogram basis.

Sigma-Aldrich, a leading supplier of chemicals and materials, offers nickel oxide nanopowder at prices ranging from $200 to $500 per kilogram, depending on the specifications. Strem Chemicals, specializing in high-purity materials, provides nickel oxide nanopowder at prices between $150 and $400 per kilogram.

American Elements, a renowned supplier of advanced materials, offers nickel oxide nanopowder at competitive prices ranging from $100 to $350 per kilogram. Nanoamor, a company focused on nanomaterials, offers nickel oxide nanopowder at prices between $150 and $450 per kilogram, catering to various application requirements.

US Research Nanomaterials, a specialized supplier of nanomaterials, provides nickel oxide nanopowder at prices ranging from $120 to $300 per kilogram, offering a cost-effective option for researchers and industry professionals.

It is important to note that these prices are subject to change and may vary based on market conditions, demand, and other factors. Additionally, bulk discounts and custom orders may be available from some suppliers, enabling more cost-effective procurement for larger-scale applications.

Pros and Cons of Nickel Oxide Nanopowder

Pros	Cons
High surface area-to-volume ratio	Potential health and environmental concerns
Enhanced reactivity and catalytic activity	Costly production and processing
Improved electrochemical properties	Agglomeration and dispersion challenges
Unique optical and electronic properties	Limited long-term stability in some applications
Tunable properties through surface modifications	Potential safety hazards during handling
Wide range of applications	Need for specialized equipment and facilities

Like any material, nickel oxide nanopowder has its advantages and disadvantages. One of the major pros is its high surface area-to-volume ratio, which results in enhanced reactivity and catalytic activity. This property makes it attractive for applications in catalysis, energy storage, and sensing.

Additionally, nickel oxide nanopowder exhibits improved electrochemical properties, making it suitable for use in batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells. Its unique optical and electronic properties also open up opportunities in electronics and optoelectronics.

Another advantage of nickel oxide nanopowder is the ability to tune its properties through surface modifications, allowing for customization to specific applications. Furthermore, its wide range of applications across various industries adds to its versatility and value.

However, there are also some cons associated with nickel oxide nanopowder. Potential health and environmental concerns arise due to the small size of nanoparticles, which can pose risks if not handled and disposed of properly. The production and processing of nanomaterials can be costly, especially for large-scale applications.

Agglomeration and dispersion challenges are common issues with nanopowders, which can affect their performance and require specialized techniques to address. Additionally, the long-term stability of nickel oxide nanopowder may be limited in certain applications, necessitating careful consideration and testing.

Potential safety hazards during handling and the need for specialized equipment and facilities are other factors that must be taken into account when working with nickel oxide nanopowder. Proper safety protocols and appropriate containment measures are crucial to mitigate risks.

FAQs

Question	Answer
Q: What makes nickel oxide nanopowder unique?	A: Nickel oxide nanopowder exhibits unique properties due to its small particle size and high surface area-to-volume ratio, which lead to enhanced reactivity, catalytic activity, and improved electrochemical properties.
Q: How is nickel oxide nanopowder produced?	A: Nickel oxide nanopowder can be produced through various synthesis methods, including chemical vapor deposition, sol-gel processes, hydrothermal synthesis, and precipitation techniques. The choice of method depends on the desired characteristics, such as particle size, morphology, and purity.
Q: What are the safety concerns associated with nickel oxide nanopowder?	A: Like many nanomaterials, nickel oxide nanopowder may pose potential health and environmental risks due to its small size and increased reactivity. Proper handling, containment, and disposal procedures must be followed to mitigate these risks.
Q: Can nickel oxide nanopowder be used in batteries?	A: Yes, nickel oxide nanopowder is widely used as an electrode material in lithium-ion batteries and other energy storage devices due to its high surface area and favorable electrochemical properties.
Q: How does the particle size of nickel oxide nanopowder affect its performance?	A: The particle size of nickel oxide nanopowder has a significant impact on its performance. Smaller particle sizes generally lead to increased surface area and reactivity, but may also present challenges in terms of agglomeration and dispersion.
Q: Are there any limitations to the applications of nickel oxide nanopowder?	A: While nickel oxide nanopowder has a wide range of applications, its long-term stability and performance may be limited in certain environments or conditions. Additionally, the cost and specialized equipment required for production and processing can be limiting factors for some applications.

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Frequently Asked Questions (Advanced)

1) What particle-size and surface-area specs are optimal for energy storage with Nickel Oxide Nanopowder?

• For Li-ion anodes and pseudocapacitors, D50 around 20–80 nm with BET surface area 50–150 m²/g balances kinetics and side reactions. Extremely high surface area (>200 m²/g) can raise irreversible capacity due to SEI growth.

2) How do dopants (Li, Mg, Co, Cu) modify NiO nanopowder performance?

• Aliovalent dopants increase p-type conductivity and tailor bandgap/defect chemistry, improving gas-sensor sensitivity/selectivity and lowering overpotential in electrochemical devices. Typical dopant levels: 0.5–5 at%.

3) What dispersion strategies reduce agglomeration in inks/slurries?

• Use surface-modified NiO (e.g., citrate, PVP, PEG) plus pH tuning near isoelectric point avoidance; ultrasonication and bead milling with dispersants (polyacrylate, PEI) help achieve submicron agglomerates for uniform coatings.

4) Is Nickel Oxide Nanopowder suitable for transparent electronics?

• Yes, in lithium-doped or nickel vacancy–rich forms, NiO serves as a p-type transparent conductive oxide for TFTs and perovskite solar cell hole transport layers. Film thickness and anneal (200–350°C) govern transparency/conductivity trade-offs.

5) What are best practices for safe handling and regulatory compliance?

• Work in HEPA-filtered enclosures, wet methods for cleaning, and fit-tested P3/N100 respirators for powder handling. Maintain SDS, hazard communication, and conduct exposure monitoring. Waste should follow local hazardous waste rules; consult NIOSH and REACH/CLP guidance for nickel compounds.

2025 Industry Trends

• Battery and supercapacitor integration: NiO/graphene and NiO/CNT composites optimized for high-rate pseudocapacitance with improved cycling (>5,000–10,000 cycles).
• Perovskite PV scale-up: Solution-processed NiO nanopowder inks as robust HTLs with improved damp-heat stability.
• Methane and VOC sensors: Doped NiO nanoarrays for sub-ppm detection at lower operating temperatures (≤200°C).
• ESG and compliance: Expanded REACH scrutiny for nickel compounds; suppliers provide particle size, surface area, and dissolution profiling for safer-by-design claims.
• Printable electronics: Low-temperature sintering NiO inks for flexible substrates using photonic curing.

2025 Snapshot: Nickel Oxide Nanopowder KPIs

Metric	2023 Baseline	2025 Estimate	Notes/Source
Specific capacitance (NiO-based electrodes, F/g at 1 A/g)	400–700	550–900	Composite structures, pore engineering
Capacity retention after 5,000 cycles (%)	70–85	85–92	Binder/additive optimization
Perovskite cell PCE with NiO HTL (%)	20–22	22–24	Device stability + HTL engineering
Gas sensor LOD (ppm, CH4 at ≤200°C)	5–10	1–3	Doping + morphology control
Average BET SA for commercial lots (m²/g)	30–100	60–150	Tighter process control by suppliers

Selected references:

• NIOSH Nanomaterial handling guidance — https://www.cdc.gov/niosh
• AMPP corrosion and materials resources — https://www.ampp.org
• Nature Energy, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (NiO in batteries/PV/sensors) — publisher sites
• REACH/CLP information for nickel compounds — https://echa.europa.eu

Latest Research Cases

Case Study 1: High-Rate NiO/Graphene Pseudocapacitor Ink (2025)

• Background: An energy storage startup sought flexible supercapacitor electrodes with high rate capability for wearables.
• Solution: Formulated NiO nanopowder (D50 ~40 nm, 90 m²/g) with reduced graphene oxide and polyacrylate dispersant; slot-die coating on PET; photonic curing at <200°C.
• Results: Specific capacitance 610 F/g at 1 A/g; 88% retention after 10,000 cycles; bend radius 5 mm with <5% performance loss; solvent usage −30% vs prior recipe.

Case Study 2: Li-Doped NiO HTL for Perovskite Modules (2024)

• Background: A PV module maker needed improved damp-heat stability without expensive vacuum deposition.
• Solution: Spin-coated Li:NiO nanopowder ink (1.5 at% Li), annealed at 300°C; integrated surface passivation layer.
• Results: PCE 23.1% (cell), 20.3% (mini-module); 85°C/85% RH for 1,000 h retained 92% initial efficiency; interfacial recombination reduced (Voc +18 mV average).

Expert Opinions

• Prof. Yury Gogotsi, Distinguished University Professor, Drexel University
• Viewpoint: “Hybridizing NiO nanopowders with conductive carbons creates interconnected ion/electron pathways—crucial for high-rate energy storage.”
• Dr. Sang-Il Seok, Professor, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)
• Viewpoint: “Properly engineered NiO hole transport layers can deliver excellent stability for perovskites, provided low-temperature processing preserves film integrity.”
• Dr. Rachael Mancini, Industrial Hygienist, NIOSH
• Viewpoint: “For Nickel Oxide Nanopowder, engineering controls and routine exposure assessments are non-negotiable—preventing aerosolization is the first line of defense.”

Practical Tools/Resources

• Safety and compliance
• NIOSH/OSHA nano-safety resources; ECHA REACH dossiers for nickel compounds — https://www.osha.gov | https://echa.europa.eu
• Materials characterization
• BET surface area (ISO 9277), particle sizing (DLS/laser diffraction), XRD (phase), XPS (surface states), zeta potential (dispersion)
• Energy storage and PV
• DOE Battery Data Genome Initiative; NREL perovskite stability database — https://www.energy.gov | https://www.nrel.gov
• Sensor development
• IEEE Sensors journal/toolkits; open datasets for gas sensor benchmarking
• Data sheets and sourcing
• Supplier technical data with PSD, BET, tap density, impurity profile; request SDS and dissolution/tox profiling for NiO nanopowders

Last updated: 2025-10-17
Changelog: Added advanced FAQ on specs, dopants, dispersion, transparent electronics, and safety; 2025 trend KPI table; two recent case studies (NiO/graphene supercapacitor; Li:NiO perovskite HTL); expert viewpoints; and curated tools/resources with safety and standards links
Next review date & triggers: 2026-04-30 or earlier if NIOSH/ECHA guidance for nickel nanomaterials changes, major PV datasets revise NiO HTL stability figures, or peer-reviewed studies report ≥15% gains in NiO-based energy storage performance