Chromium Oxide Nanoparticles

Chromium oxide (Cr₂O₃) is an important oxide of chromium element. It has a hexagonal crystal structure and pale green appearance. It is considered to be an important refractory material with its high melting point temperature (2435 ◦C) and oxidation resistance. Furthermore, Cr₂O₃ shows very low solubility in water, antiferromagnetic properties, considerable hardness with Mohs hardness of 8-8.5, and extremely low vapor pressure (if any) at room temperature. The stability and green appearance of chromium oxide are widely utilized in the pigment industry to be used in paints, inks, and glasses. Chromium oxide is one of such p-type metal-oxides that are applicable for gas sensing because of its stability, reproducibility and less sensitivity to interference from water vapor. Chromium oxide nanoparticles are also used in heterogeneous catalysts, coating materials for thermal protection, coatings for wear resistance, liquid crystal displays, and electrochromic materials.