Lanthanum Hexaboride
Alfa 43100, KHDS 6, KHF 7, KHGS 02
- CAS
- 12008-21-8
- EC
- 234-531-6
- Sectors
- Electronics & Solar PV, Plastics & Polymers, Aerospace & Defense
Lanthanum Hexaboride (LaB₆; MW 203.77 g/mol) is a refractory lanthanum–boron compound supplied as a very dark blue powder with a melting point of 2715 °C and a density of 4.62 g/cm³. It is insoluble in water and hydrochloric acid. Commercially available in Technical and Electronic Grades at purities of 2N–3N, with oxygen content ≤ 0.5 % and carbon ≤ 0.1 %, in particle sizes ranging from −325 mesh down to nano-range 50–80 nm.
LaB₆ is the established material for high-brightness thermionic cathode applications, valued for its low work function, high electron emissivity, and exceptional thermal and chemical stability under high-vacuum operating conditions. It is also employed as a near-infrared absorber in film and coating systems and as a reference standard in powder diffraction.
Lanthanum Hexaboride
Applications
- Electronics & Solar PV: Used as a thermionic cathode material in scanning and transmission electron microscopes (SEM/TEM) and X-ray tubes, delivering high electron brightness and extended service life.
- Electronics & Solar PV: Nano-grade LaB₆ (50–80 nm) functions as a selective NIR absorber in heat-shielding films and laser transmission welding applications for solar and display glazing.
- Aerospace & Defense: Serves as a thermionic cathode in ion-thruster and electron-gun assemblies requiring stable emission under high-vacuum and elevated-temperature conditions.
- Electronics & Solar PV: Sintered cathode blanks and sputter targets in Electronic Grade are used in thin-film deposition and electron-beam evaporation processes.
- Plastics & Polymers: Nano-LaB₆ is incorporated into polymer films and coatings as an NIR-blocking additive, reducing solar heat gain while maintaining visible-light transmission.
- Electronics & Solar PV: Employed as an XRD calibration standard (NIST-traceable reference) for instrument line-profile and peak-position verification in powder diffraction laboratories.
Safety & Risks
Not classified as hazardous under GHS. Handle fine powder with adequate local exhaust ventilation. Use an N95 respirator, safety glasses, and nitrile gloves to minimise dust exposure. Store in sealed containers in a cool, dry location away from strong oxidisers.
Packaging
1 kg and 5 kg sealed foil bags for Electronic Grade; 25 kg fiber drums for Technical Grade. Vacuum-sealed packaging available for nano and high-purity lots. Store dry.