Technical Specifications
- Product Name: Lanthanum Oxide Nanopowder
- Chemical Formula: La₂O₃ (Lanthanum(III) Oxide)
- CAS Number: 12036-23-8
- Purity
- Grade: 99.99% (high purity)
- Impurities: ≤0.01% (trace elements and other oxides)
- Particle Size
- Range: <200 nm
- Particle Size Distribution: Verified using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) or TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy)
- Morphology
- Shape: Spherical or irregular particles with uniform distribution
- Surface Area: High due to nanoscale size, enhancing reactivity and surface area
- Crystal Structure
- Phase: Cubic or monoclinic (depending on the temperature and synthesis method)
- Physical and Chemical Properties
- Color: White or off-white powder
- Density: ~6.5 g/cm³
- Melting Point: ~2,400 °C
- Thermal Stability: Extremely stable at high temperatures
- Electrical Properties: Insulating, with high dielectric constant
- Solubility: Insoluble in water but soluble in acids to form lanthanum salts
- Packaging and Storage
- Standard Packaging: Sealed in airtight, moisture-resistant containers to prevent contamination and agglomeration
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place; avoid prolonged exposure to air and moisture
- Shelf Life: Stable under proper storage conditions
- Safety and Handling
- Hazards:
- Lanthanum oxide dust may irritate the respiratory system, skin, and eyes if inhaled or exposed.
- Not highly toxic but should be handled with care to avoid exposure to airborne dust.
- Recommended Protective Measures:
- Use PPE (e.g., gloves, goggles, and dust masks).
- Handle in a well-ventilated area to minimize airborne particle exposure.
- Hazards:
Applications
- Catalysis
- Chemical Catalysis: Lanthanum oxide is used as a catalyst or catalyst support in various industrial processes, particularly in petroleum refining and the production of fine chemicals.
- Environmental Catalysis: Applied in catalytic converters for the automotive industry, where it helps reduce harmful emissions by promoting oxidation reactions.
- Energy Storage and Conversion
- Batteries and Supercapacitors: Lanthanum oxide is explored for use in advanced energy storage devices, including lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors, due to its high surface area and electrical conductivity.
- Fuel Cells: It is used in fuel cells as an electrolyte material, improving the efficiency and stability of the energy conversion process.
- Optical Applications
- Optical Coatings: Lanthanum oxide is applied in optical coatings for lenses and mirrors, offering a high refractive index and transparency.
- Phosphors: Used in the production of phosphors for lighting, display technologies, and lasers due to its luminescent properties.
- Semiconductor and Electronics
- Dielectric Materials: Lanthanum oxide is employed in high-performance capacitors, transistors, and integrated circuits due to its high dielectric constant and insulating properties.
- High-K Dielectrics: Used in semiconductor devices to reduce power consumption and increase storage capacity by enabling high-k dielectrics in integrated circuits.
- Nanocomposites
- Reinforcement Material: Lanthanum oxide nanopowder is used to reinforce composite materials, enhancing their mechanical, optical, and electrical properties.
- Functional Additives: It is employed to improve the performance and stability of nanocomposites, especially in advanced polymer, ceramic, and metal-based systems.
- Biomedical Applications
- Drug Delivery: Lanthanum oxide is studied for its potential in drug delivery applications, serving as a biocompatible carrier for targeted drug systems.
- Medical Imaging: It can be used as a contrast agent in imaging techniques such as X-ray and MRI, providing better image resolution and sensitivity.
- Nuclear Applications
- Neutron Absorbers: Lanthanum oxide is used in nuclear reactors as a neutron absorber to enhance safety and efficiency in nuclear reactions.
- Radiation Shielding: It is also used for radiation shielding applications, owing to its ability to absorb and reduce radiation exposure.
- Research and Development
- Material Science: Lanthanum oxide is extensively studied for its unique physical, chemical, and electronic properties, particularly in high-performance materials.
- Prototype Development: Applied in experimental setups for developing new technologies in energy systems, catalysis, biomedical applications, and more.
Key Features
- High Purity (99.99%): Guarantees excellent performance in sensitive applications, particularly in electronics, catalysis, and biomedical fields.
- Nanoscale Size (<200 nm): Provides enhanced surface area, reactivity, and performance in energy storage, catalysis, and optical coatings.
- High Thermal and Chemical Stability: Ideal for high-temperature applications and environments that require durability, such as in the electronics and nuclear industries.