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(949) 407-8904 Mon - Fri 08:00 - 17:00 23661 Birtcher Dr., Lake Forest, California, USA

ST6576 Nickel Iron Molybdenum Target (NiFeMo Target)

Chemical Composition Ni, Fe, Mo
Purity 99.9%
Shape Planar Disc
SKU: ST6576 Categories: , , , , Tag:



Description

Nickel Iron Molybdenum Target (NiFeMo Target) Description

The NiFeMo Target combines the unique properties of nickel, iron, and molybdenum to deliver exceptional performance for thin-film deposition. Typically formulated as Ni80Fe15.5Mo4.5, this ternary alloy showcases remarkable structural uniformity achieved through advanced metallurgical processes. Its fine-grained structure and consistent phase distribution ensure reliable performance during PVD.

Key attributes include:

  • Thermal Stability: Maintains shape and integrity at high temperatures used in PVD, with a controlled thermal expansion coefficient to reduce stress-related defects in films.
  • Mechanical Strength: Enhanced tensile strength and hardness (often exceeding 1400 MPa) due to molybdenum-induced solid-solution strengthening and intermetallic interactions.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Superior to binary Ni-Fe alloys, benefiting from molybdenum’s ability to form protective passivation layers in oxidizing environments.
  • Magnetic Properties: Tunable for soft magnetic applications, with nickel and iron providing magnetic responsiveness and molybdenum adjusting anisotropy and coercivity.
  • Electrical Conductivity: High conductivity and low impurity levels (≥99.95%) facilitate efficient electron flow during sputtering.
  • Deposition Control: Precise adjustment of composition allows for consistent deposition rates and film stoichiometry, while advanced machining ensures ultra-smooth surfaces (<0.5 µm Ra) for flawless thin-film growth.

These features result from the synergistic combination of nickel’s flexibility, iron’s magnetic qualities, and molybdenum’s high-temperature resilience within the alloy.

Related Products: Nickel Sputtering Target, Ni, Nickel Cobalt Sputtering Target, Ni-Co, Iron Sputtering Target, Fe, Iron Chromium Sputtering Target, Fe/Cr, Molybdenum Sputtering Target, Mo, Chromium Molybdenum Sputtering Target, Cr/Mo

Nickel Iron Molybdenum Target (NiFeMo Target) Specification

Properties:

  • Chemical Composition: Nickel (Ni), Iron (Fe), Molybdenum (Mo)
  • Purity: 99.9%
  • Shape: Planar Disc

Please note that the above specifications are based on theoretical data. For precise requirements and detailed information, contact us directly.

Dimensions:

  • Thickness: 3mm (customizable)
  • Diameter: 50.8mm (customizable)

Nickel Iron Molybdenum Target (NiFeMo Target) Applications

The NiFeMo Target is versatile, serving multiple advanced technology fields by leveraging its specialized alloy characteristics:

  • Electronics: Essential for manufacturing magnetic storage devices like hard disk layers and sensor films. Its magnetic and electrical properties facilitate high-density data storage through precise PVD control.
  • Optics: Utilized in producing anti-reflective and infrared-reflective coatings, as well as transparent conductive electrodes for flexible displays and solar cell interfaces.
  • Catalysis: Employed in electrochemical catalysts, including oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrodes for water splitting and support structures for fuel cell catalysts, thanks to its surface reactivity and corrosion resistance.
  • Renewable Energy: Supports the deposition of current collectors in lithium-ion batteries and interface layers in solid-state batteries, with adaptable compositions to suit various electrolytes.
  • Industrial Coatings: Provides durable, high-temperature protective layers for aerospace turbine blades and corrosion-resistant coatings for semiconductor manufacturing equipment, drawing on its mechanical strength and durability.

Stanford Advanced Materials enhances these applications with customizable solutions, such as adjusting molybdenum content for better corrosion resistance, optimizing microstructure to reduce film defects, and offering various target geometries (planar, rotary, tubular) to meet diverse research and industrial needs. Emerging uses in additive manufacturing and MEMS further expand its applicability.

Nickel Iron Molybdenum Target (NiFeMo Target) Packaging

Our targets are packaged according to their size and specifications to ensure safe delivery:

  • Small Items: Securely packaged in polypropylene (PP) boxes.
  • Larger Items: Shipped in custom wooden crates.
  • Customized Packaging: Available upon request to provide optimal protection with appropriate cushioning materials during transit.

Packaging Options: Carton, Wooden Box, or Customized Solutions

Manufacturing Process

Brief Manufacturing Process Flow

Testing Method

  1. Chemical Composition Analysis: Confirmation through GDMS or XRF to ensure purity standards.
  2. Mechanical Properties Testing: Evaluation of tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation to determine material performance.
  3. Dimensional Inspection: Measurement of thickness, width, and length to verify dimensional accuracy.
  4. Surface Quality Inspection: Detection of defects such as scratches or cracks using visual and ultrasonic methods.
  5. Hardness Testing: Assessment of material hardness for consistency and mechanical reliability.

Nickel Iron Molybdenum Target (NiFeMo Target) FAQs

Q1: What is a Nickel Iron Molybdenum (NiFeMo) Target?
A1: The NiFeMo Target is a high-purity alloy composed of nickel, iron, and molybdenum, specifically designed for thin-film deposition processes like Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD).

Q2: What industries utilize NiFeMo Targets?
A2: They are widely used in electronics (for magnetic storage and sensors), optics (for coatings and conductive layers), catalysis (for water splitting electrodes), renewable energy (for battery coatings), and industrial protective coatings (in aerospace and semiconductor manufacturing).

Q3: What are the main performance benefits of NiFeMo Targets?
A3:

  • Structural Homogeneity & Thermal Stability: Ensures consistent thin-film deposition.
  • Enhanced Mechanical Strength: Achieved through molybdenum-based solid-solution strengthening.
  • Superior Corrosion Resistance: Outperforms binary Ni-Fe alloys.
  • Adjustable Magnetic & Electrical Properties: Suitable for specialized applications.

Performance Comparison Table with Competitive Products

Nickel Iron Molybdenum Target (NiFeMo Target) vs. Competing Materials

Property NiFeMo Target Competitive Products Performance Advantages
Catalytic Activity Enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) due to synergistic interaction between Ni, Fe, and Mo Pure Mo: Limited active sites; Ni-Fe alloys: Lower surface reactivity induced by Mo NiFeMo shows a ~30% lower onset potential and higher current density compared to pure MoS₂. Nickel nanoparticles increase active sites, enhancing charge transfer kinetics.
Mechanical Strength High tensile strength (~1400 MPa) via molybdenum-induced solid-solution strengthening Ni-Mo alloys: ~1200 MPa; Fe-Mo alloys: ~1000 MPa Molybdenum content improves hardness and creep resistance at temperatures up to 700°C, surpassing binary Ni-Fe alloys in load-bearing applications.
Thermal Stability Retains structural integrity up to 800°C Pure Mo: Becomes soft above 600°C; Ni-Fe alloys: Experience phase instability above 500°C Molybdenum stabilizes grain boundaries, reducing thermal expansion mismatches. LPPS-processed Mo targets have similar stability but lack the alloy flexibility of NiFeMo.
Deposition Uniformity Fine-grained microstructure (≤0.4 µm) with consistent sputtering yield Coarse-grained Mo targets: ~1.5 µm grain size; Ni-Fe: Variable porosity (~2-5%) Smaller grain size and controlled oxygen content (~0.18%) ensure uniform thin-film deposition, resulting in smooth films (e.g., 700 nm Mo films with <0.5 µm Ra roughness).
Corrosion Resistance Molybdenum passivation enhances durability in oxidizing environments Ni-Fe alloys: Prone to pitting; Pure Mo: Limited oxidation resistance Molybdenum-rich surface layers prevent degradation in acidic and alkaline conditions, maintaining stability in HER catalysis for over 100 hours.
Customizability Adjustable Mo content (4.5-25%) and various target geometries (planar, rotary) Binary alloys (Ni-Mo/Fe-Mo): Limited compositional flexibility Stanford Advanced Materials provides tailored solutions for specific stoichiometries (e.g., Ni80Fe15.5Mo4.5) and substrate compatibility, unlike rigid industrial Mo anodes.
Cost Efficiency Lower platinum dependency compared to Pt-MoS₂ catalysts Pt-modified catalysts: 3-5× higher cost NiFeMo achieves 85-90% of the HER efficiency of Pt-MoS₂ at 40% lower cost, making it a cost-effective option for large-scale hydrogen production.

Related Information

1. Raw Materials – Nickel

Basic Properties:

  • Atomic Number: 28
  • Atomic Weight: 58.69 g/mol
  • Density: 8.908 g/cm³
  • Melting Point: 1455°C
  • Characteristics: Silvery-white, ferromagnetic at room temperature, malleable, ductile, and resistant to corrosion. Stable in air under standard conditions.
  • Oxidation States: Predominantly +2; occasionally +1, +3, or +4.

Chemical Properties:

  • Corrosion Resistance: Forms a protective nickel oxide (NiO) layer in moist air; moderately resistant to acids and bases, especially when passivated by concentrated nitric acid.
  • Alloying Capacity: Easily alloyed with iron, copper, and chromium (e.g., stainless steel, Nitinol).
  • Catalytic Activity: Commonly used in hydrogenation reactions, such as vegetable oil hardening.

Applications:

  • Stainless Steel Production: Accounts for over 70% of global nickel usage, enhancing corrosion resistance and mechanical strength.
  • Battery Materials: Integral to nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) and lithium-ion batteries (e.g., NMC cathodes).
  • Electroplating: Provides corrosion protection and decorative finishes through nickel plating.
  • High-Temperature Alloys: Utilized in jet engines, gas turbines, and nuclear reactors for their heat resistance.
  • Catalysts: Employed in industrial hydrogenation and desulfurization processes in petrochemical refining.

Resources and Production:

  • Major Reserves: Indonesia, Philippines, Russia.
  • Mining Forms: Extracted from sulfide ores (e.g., pentlandite) and laterite (oxide) ores.
  • Environmental Concerns: Nickel smelting can emit sulfur oxides (SOx) and heavy metal pollutants, posing environmental challenges.

2. Raw Materials – Iron

Physical Properties:

  • Density: ~7.87 g/cm³
  • Melting Point: 1538°C
  • Boiling Point: 2862°C
  • Magnetism: Ferromagnetic at room temperature up to ~770°C (Curie point).
  • Appearance: Lustrous silver-gray when freshly cut but prone to oxidation in air.

Chemical Properties:

  • Oxidation: Easily forms iron oxides like Fe₂O₃ (rust) and Fe₃O₄ in moist environments.
  • Oxidation States: Commonly +2 and +3 (Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺).
  • Reactivity: Reacts with dilute acids to produce hydrogen gas; forms a passive layer in some conditions to prevent further corrosion.

Industrial Importance:

  • Steel Production: The primary component in steelmaking, alloyed with carbon and other elements to produce various structural materials.
  • Magnetic Materials: Used in transformers, motors, and data storage due to its magnetic properties.
  • Electronics & Thin Films: Essential in sputtering targets and coatings for magnetic and structural applications, using alloys like NiFe and FeCr.
  • Catalysts: Utilized in chemical processes such as the Haber-Bosch process for synthesizing ammonia.

Biological Role:

  • Essential Element: Vital for oxygen transport (hemoglobin), enzyme function, and cellular metabolism in living organisms.

Safety and Handling:

  • General Safety: Bulk metallic iron is generally safe and non-toxic. However, fine iron powders can be flammable and should be handled in controlled environments.

3. Raw Materials – Molybdenum

Physical Properties:

  • Density: ~10.2 g/cm³
  • Melting Point: 2623°C (among the highest of all metals)
  • Boiling Point: 4639°C
  • Hardness: Exhibits high strength and hardness, particularly at elevated temperatures
  • Thermal and Electrical Conductivity: Excellent conductor of both heat and electricity, with thermal conductivity around 138 W/m·K

Chemical Properties:

  • Inertness: Relatively inert in air and water at room temperature
  • Oxides: Forms stable oxides, notably MoO₃, and resists many acids, especially when alloyed
  • Oxidation States: Commonly +4 and +6, with Mo⁶⁺ being predominant in compounds

Industrial Applications:

  • Alloying Agent: Widely used in steel and superalloy production to enhance strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance
  • Electronics and Thin Films: Key material in sputtering targets for semiconductor interconnects, TFT back electrodes, and solar cells due to its conductivity and adhesion properties
  • High-Temperature Components: Ideal for furnace parts, filaments, and aerospace components exposed to extreme heat
  • Catalysis: Molybdenum compounds act as catalysts in petroleum refining and various chemical synthesis processes

Other Attributes:

  • Vacuum Compatibility: Excellent for use in vacuum environments due to its low vapor pressure
  • Machinability: Although hard, molybdenum can be machined with appropriate tooling and techniques
  • Biological Role: Trace amounts are essential in human and animal metabolism, playing roles in enzyme function