May 23 2013
Nanoparticle research has found a number of applications in a variety of fields, which were not possible earlier with elements in their original states. This article will elaborate on the properties and applications of lanthanum hexaboride nanoparticles.
Lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) nanoparticles are inorganic, refractory ceramic materials. These particles are not soluble in water and hydrochloric acid. A notable property of these particles is that they have the highest electron emissivity. They are stable when kept under vacuum conditions. Lanthanum belongs to Block F, Period 6 while boron belongs to Block P, Period 2 of the periodic table.
Chemical Properties
The following tables list the chemical properties of lanthanum hexaboride.
| Chemical Data |
| Chemical symbol |
LaB6 |
| CAS No |
12008-21-8 |
| Group |
Lanthanum 3
Boron 13 |
| Electronic configuration |
Lanthanum [Xe] 5d1 6s2
Boron [He] 2s2 2p1 |
| Chemical Composition |
| Element |
Content (%) |
| Lanthanum |
68.16 |
| Boron |
31.82 |
Physical Properties
Lanthanum hexaboride nanoparticles appear in the form of purple violet particles. The table below provides the physical properties of these nanoparticles.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Density |
4.72 g/cm3 |
0.170 lb/in3 |
| Molar Mass |
203.78 g/mol |
- |
Thermal Properties
The thermal properties of lanthanum hexaboride nanoparticles are given in the table below:-
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Melting Point |
2210° C |
4010° F |
Applications
Given below are some of the chief applications of lanthanum hexaboride nanoparticles:
- As single crystal or as a coating on hot cathodes
- Used as a size/strain standard in X-ray powder diffraction for calibrating the instrumental broadening of diffraction peaks
- In radar aerospace, electronics and infrared applications
- Environmental protection, refining, etching and synthetic organic chemistry.
- Optical MEMS-based sensor in the NIR range