Lanthanum Oxide
Lanthana, dilanthanumoxide, Lanthanumtrioxide, dilanthanumtrioxide
- CAS
- 1312-81-8
- EC
- 215-200-5
- Sectors
- Electronics & Solar PV, Oil, Gas & Energy, Automotive, Lubricants & Metalworking, Building & Construction
Lanthanum Oxide (La₂O₃; MW 325.81 g/mol) is a white-to-pale-yellow refractory powder, CAS 1312-81-8, with a melting point of 2315 °C and a density of 6.51 g/cm³. It is practically insoluble in water but reacts with moisture to form lanthanum hydroxide, requiring dry storage. Commercially available in Technical and Electronic Grades, purity is quoted on a rare earth oxide basis as La₂O₃/TREO, with typical specifications ranging from 2N to 5N (95 % to 99.9999 %) and TREO ≥ 98–99 %.
La₂O₃ is a foundational rare earth oxide in optical glass formulation, petroleum refining catalysis, and advanced ceramics. Its high refractive index contribution, oxygen-ion conductivity, and thermal stability make it a key raw material across electronics, energy, and metallurgical sectors.
Lanthanum Oxide
Applications
- Electronics & Solar PV: Used as a dielectric additive in MLCC ceramic capacitors, as a constituent of piezoelectric ceramics, and as a host material for X-ray phosphor formulations.
- Oil, Gas & Energy: Serves as a raw material in the preparation of rare-earth-promoted alumina used in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst systems, and as a precursor for lanthanum-based components in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) assemblies.
- Automotive: Incorporated into lanthanum-stabilised alumina supports for three-way catalytic converters, improving thermal durability and sustained catalytic activity at high exhaust temperatures.
- Lubricants & Metalworking: Employed in the manufacture of lanthanum-doped tungsten TIG welding electrodes (WL15/WL20), where it improves arc stability and extends electrode service life.
- Building & Construction: Added to specialty ceramic glazes and technical glass compositions to modify refractive index and improve chemical resistance in architectural and industrial glass products.
- Electronics & Solar PV: Applied in the production of lanthanum crown and flint optical glass for camera lenses and smartphone optics, where high refractive index with low dispersion is required.
Safety & Risks
GHS Warning. H315 (skin irritation), H319 (eye irritation), H335 (respiratory irritation). Avoid generating dust; ensure adequate ventilation. Use N95 Respirator, Safety Glasses, and Gloves. Store in sealed containers in a dry environment away from moisture.
Packaging
25 kg double PE-lined fibre drums or bags; 500–1,000 kg big bags for bulk orders. High-purity Electronic Grade available in 1–5 kg sealed units. Store dry.