Nb Foil for Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) Sensors –合肥科晶 Model Nb Foil
| Brand | Hefei Kejing |
|---|---|
| Origin | Anhui, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Domestic |
| Model | Nb Foil |
| Price Range | USD 0.15–1,500 (FOB) |
Overview
Nb Foil is a high-purity niobium metal foil specifically engineered for integration into quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor platforms used in electrochemical and surface science applications. As a piezoelectric mass-sensing transducer, the QCM relies on thin, conductive, chemically stable electrode layers deposited onto the AT-cut quartz resonator; Nb foil serves as both an inert working electrode substrate and a robust, vacuum-compatible sputtering target or evaporation source material. Niobium’s exceptional corrosion resistance in acidic and alkaline electrolytes, low intrinsic background current, wide electrochemical window (~−1.0 V to +3.5 V vs. SCE in aqueous media), and strong adhesion to quartz and SiO₂-based passivation layers make it ideal for real-time, label-free monitoring of interfacial processes—including ion adsorption, polymer film growth, biomolecular binding, and solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation in battery research.
Key Features
- High-purity niobium (≥99.95% Nb, trace Ta ≤50 ppm, Fe/Cu/Ni ≤10 ppm each) ensuring minimal electrochemical interference and long-term baseline stability
- Controlled thickness tolerance: ±5% across standard range of 10–1000 µm, with custom thicknesses available upon request
- Surface roughness Ra < 0.05 µm (as-rolled, double-sided electropolished option available) for uniform current distribution and reproducible QCM frequency shifts
- Ultra-clean packaging: processed and sealed in ISO Class 4 (100-particle) cleanroom environment, vacuum-sealed in laminated aluminum barrier bags with desiccant and O₂/H₂O indicators
- Thermal expansion coefficient (7.2 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹) closely matched to quartz (α ≈ 6.5 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹), minimizing interfacial stress during temperature-cycled measurements
- Compatible with thermal evaporation, e-beam deposition, magnetron sputtering, and direct foil bonding techniques
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
Nb Foil meets material requirements for use in GLP- and GMP-aligned electrochemical laboratories. It is routinely employed in ASTM E2428-compliant QCM-D (quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring) systems and supports ISO/IEC 17025 method validation protocols for surface mass quantification. The foil conforms to RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and REACH Annex XIV SVHC screening criteria. Batch-specific certificates of analysis (CoA) include ICP-MS trace element verification and SEM-EDS surface contamination reports. For FDA-regulated applications—such as biosensor development under 21 CFR Part 11—Nb Foil is supplied with full traceability documentation, including lot number, cleanroom handling log, and vacuum integrity test records.
Software & Data Management
While Nb Foil itself is a passive consumable, its performance is intrinsically linked to QCM system software environments such as QSense Analyzer, Spreeta QCM Control Suite, or open-source QCM-IQ tools (Python-based). When integrated into automated QCM rigs, Nb-coated sensors enable time-resolved Δf/ΔD tracking with sub-Hz frequency resolution and millisecond temporal sampling. Raw data exports (CSV, HDF5) support post-acquisition modeling using Voigt-based viscoelastic fitting or Sauerbrey mass conversion algorithms. All calibration curves generated using Nb reference foils are exportable with embedded metadata compliant with FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles.
Applications
- In situ monitoring of lithium-ion battery SEI evolution during initial charge cycles
- Real-time quantification of protein adsorption kinetics on functionalized Nb surfaces (e.g., phosphonic acid SAMs)
- Electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction studies requiring stable, non-fouling electrode substrates
- Thin-film polymerization control in electrochemical CVD and layer-by-layer assembly
- Corrosion inhibitor film formation assessment in simulated cooling water systems (ASTM D1384)
- Gas-phase humidity and VOC sensing via hygroscopic polymer/Nb bilayer architectures
FAQ
Is this Nb foil suitable for high-vacuum deposition systems?
Yes—vacuum-outgassing tested to <1×10⁻⁸ mbar after 24 h bakeout at 150 °C; compatible with UHV (<1×10⁻¹⁰ mbar) conditions when pre-baked.
Can I order Nb foil with pre-patterned electrodes or lithographic alignment marks?
Custom micropatterning (e.g., lift-off Au/Nb bilayers, photolithographic fiducials) is available under NDA; lead time: 4–6 weeks.
What is the shelf life under recommended storage conditions?
24 months when stored unopened in original packaging at 15–25 °C, RH <30%; resealing requires dry nitrogen purge.
Do you provide Nb foil certified for ISO 13485 medical device R&D?
Yes—ISO 13485-certified production batches (with biocompatibility testing per ISO 10993-5/12) are available upon request with dedicated QC release documentation.
How does Nb compare to Pt or Au foil in QCM-based biosensing?
Nb offers superior oxide stability and lower nonspecific binding than Au, and higher corrosion resistance than Pt in chloride-rich biological buffers—ideal for long-duration cell-adhesion assays.
