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: 10–100 nm
- Particle Size Distribution: Verified using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) or TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy)
- Morphology
- Shape: Near-spherical or irregular particles with uniform distribution
- Surface Area: High, due to nanoscale size, enhancing reactivity and surface area
- Crystal Structure
- Phase: Cubic
- 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 widely used as a catalyst or catalyst support in various industrial processes, particularly in the production of chemicals and petrochemical refining.
- Environmental Catalysis: Applied in catalytic converters for the automotive industry, reducing harmful emissions and improving air quality.
- Energy Storage and Conversion
- Batteries: Investigated for use in advanced battery technologies, including lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors, due to its high surface area and electrical conductivity.
- Fuel Cells: Used in fuel cells as an electrolyte material, enhancing the efficiency and stability of the energy conversion process.
- Optical Applications
- Optical Coatings: Lanthanum oxide is applied in optical coatings, particularly for lenses and mirrors, due to its high refractive index and transparency.
- Phosphors: It is used in the production of phosphors for displays, lighting, and laser technologies.
- Semiconductor and Electronics
- Dielectric Materials: Lanthanum oxide is used in high-performance capacitors, integrated circuits, and transistors due to its high dielectric constant and insulating properties.
- High-K Dielectrics: It is used in semiconductor devices to reduce power consumption and increase storage capacity by enabling high-k dielectrics.
- Nanocomposites
- Reinforcement Material: Lanthanum oxide nanopowder enhances the mechanical, optical, and electrical properties of composite materials, including ceramics, polymers, and metals.
- Functional Additives: It is used to improve the stability, resistance to wear, and enhanced performance of nanocomposites in various applications.
- Biomedical Applications
- Drug Delivery: Lanthanum oxide is explored for its potential as a carrier for targeted drug delivery systems, owing to its nanoscale properties and biocompatibility.
- Medical Imaging: It is studied for use in medical imaging applications, such as X-ray and MRI, due to its ability to enhance contrast and improve the quality of diagnostic images.
- Nuclear Applications
- Neutron Absorbers: Lanthanum oxide is used in nuclear reactors as a neutron absorber or moderator, enhancing safety and efficiency in nuclear power generation.
- Radiation Shielding: It is also utilized in radiation shielding applications due to its ability to absorb and reduce radiation exposure.
- Research and Development
- Material Science: Extensively studied for its unique properties, particularly in energy storage, electronics, and catalysis.
- Prototype Development: Applied in experimental setups for developing next-generation technologies in energy systems, electronics, and environmental systems.
Key Features
- High Purity (99.99%): Guarantees optimal performance and reliability in sensitive applications, particularly in semiconductors, catalysis, and biomedical fields.
- Nanoscale Size (10–100 nm): Provides exceptional surface area and reactivity, making it ideal for advanced applications in energy storage, catalysis, and optical coatings.
- Thermal and Chemical Stability: Suitable for high-temperature applications and environments where stability and durability are critical.