Lanthanum Oxide Micron Powder (La₂O₃, 99.99%, 1-10 μm)
Technical Specifications:
- Chemical Formula: La₂O₃
- Purity: 99.99% (high purity)
- Particle Size: 1-10 µm (microns)
- Appearance: White to off-white powder
- Density: Approximately 6.5 g/cm³
- Melting Point: 2,400°C (4,352°F)
- Boiling Point: Sublimes at high temperatures (does not have a definitive boiling point under normal pressure)
- Molecular Weight: 325.81 g/mol
- Solubility: Insoluble in water but soluble in acids like hydrochloric acid (HCl) and nitric acid (HNO₃)
- Crystal Structure: Hexagonal, with a highly stable and ordered lattice
- Refractive Index: ~1.89
Applications:
- Catalysis:
- Lanthanum Oxide (La₂O₃) is widely used as a catalyst and catalyst support in the petroleum refining and petrochemical industries. It is used in cracking and reforming processes to enhance the production of fuels, particularly in hydrocracking and catalytic reforming reactions.
- It is also used in automobile catalytic converters to help reduce harmful emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides by promoting the oxidation and reduction of pollutants.
- Phosphors and Display Technologies:
- Lanthanum Oxide is a key component in the production of phosphors for fluorescent lamps, cathode ray tubes (CRTs), and flat-panel displays. It is used to enhance brightness and efficiency in display devices.
- It also contributes to light-emitting phosphors used in LEDs and lasers, playing a vital role in optical devices and lighting systems.
- Electronics and Semiconductors:
- Lanthanum Oxide is utilized in the semiconductor industry as a gate dielectric material in high-k dielectric applications. This allows for more efficient insulation and minimization of leakage currents in transistors, which is essential for high-performance microelectronics.
- It is also used in superconducting materials and as a dielectric barrier layer in integrated circuits (ICs).
- Energy Storage:
- Lanthanum Oxide plays an important role in energy storage applications, particularly in the development of nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries used in electric vehicles and hybrid cars. It is used in electrode materials, improving the energy density and longevity of these batteries.
- It is also explored in hydrogen storage technologies, where it forms part of materials that can absorb and release hydrogen in fuel cells and hydrogen storage systems.
- Optical Coatings:
- Lanthanum Oxide is used in optical coatings, particularly for lenses, mirrors, and high-performance optical instruments due to its high refractive index. It helps in the manufacturing of anti-reflective coatings and other coatings for infrared optics, telescopes, camera lenses, and spectroscopic devices.
- Hydrogenation and Dehydrogenation Reactions:
- Lanthanum Oxide is used in the hydrogenation and dehydrogenation processes, where it helps in the conversion of hydrocarbons. These reactions are critical in the chemical industry, particularly in the production of synthetic fuels, polymers, and pharmaceuticals.
- Battery and Supercapacitor Materials:
- Due to its electrochemical properties, Lanthanum Oxide is explored as an electrode material for supercapacitors and batteries, improving energy storage efficiency. It is particularly useful in the development of advanced energy storage devices that require high surface area and high charge/discharge cycles.
- Alloys and Metal Production:
- Lanthanum Oxide is used in the production of high-performance alloys, especially in the aerospace and automotive industries. It helps improve the high-temperature stability, strength, and corrosion resistance of metals such as titanium and steel.
- It is also used in rare-earth metal alloys, where it contributes to enhancing durability and thermal properties.
- Optoelectronics:
- Lanthanum Oxide is used in optoelectronic devices such as laser diodes, LEDs, and optical fibers. Its role in phosphorescent materials and optical switches helps improve the performance of communication systems and medical devices that rely on optical technologies.
- Thermal Barrier Coatings:
- Lanthanum Oxide is used as a thermal barrier coating in aerospace and defense applications. These coatings help protect components from the high temperatures encountered in jet engines and gas turbines, ensuring durability and enhancing performance under extreme conditions.
- Ceramic and Glass Industry:
- Lanthanum Oxide is used in the production of high-quality ceramics and glass materials. It helps enhance the thermal stability, refractive index, and chemical durability of glass used in optical fibers, solar panels, and medical glassware.
- It is also used in glass polishing and as a fluxing agent in the ceramic industry to improve the sintering process and overall material strength.
- Nuclear Applications:
- Lanthanum Oxide is used in nuclear reactors and nuclear fuel production due to its ability to absorb neutrons and reduce the impact of radiation. It plays a role in improving radiation shielding and is involved in the production of nuclear fuel additives and radiation-resistant materials.
Lanthanum Oxide Micron Powder (La₂O₃, 99.99%, 1-10 μm) is a high-performance material used across a range of advanced technological fields. Its unique properties, including high thermal stability, strong catalytic activity, and optical characteristics, make it indispensable in industries such as semiconductors, energy storage, catalysis, and optics. The material’s versatility enables applications in aerospace, electronics, environmental technologies, and biomedical innovations, ensuring its continued importance in cutting-edge research and industrial development.
