What is Lanthanum Hexaboride (LaB₆) Micron Powder?

Lanthanum Hexaboride (LaB₆) is an advanced ceramic material composed of lanthanum and boron, known for its exceptional hardness, high melting point, excellent electrical conductivity, and low work function. As a micron-sized powder, LaB₆ is widely used in high-tech applications such as electron emission sources, plasma devices, and thermionic cathodes.

Chemical Properties and CAS Number

• Chemical Formula: LaB₆
• CAS Number: 12008-21-8
• Molecular Weight: 203.58 g/mol
• Density: ~4.72 g/cm³
• Melting Point: ~2528°C
• Appearance: Purple to violet-black crystalline powder
• Electrical Conductivity: High (metallic-like)
• Thermal Conductivity: ~70 W/m·K
• Hardness: ~15 GPa (Vickers)
• Work Function: ~2.4–2.7 eV

Applications of Lanthanum Hexaboride (LaB₆) Micron Powder

1. Electron Emission Sources

• Used as thermionic emitters in electron microscopes, cathode ray tubes (CRTs), and electron beam welding due to its low work function and stability.

2. Plasma and Ion Sources

• Applied in plasma generation systems, Hall-effect thrusters, and ion sources for spacecraft propulsion and vacuum devices.

3. Thermal Cathodes

• Ideal for thermionic cathodes in high-current vacuum tubes and RF devices due to its resistance to sputtering and chemical stability.

4. Advanced Ceramics & Refractory Materials

• Incorporated into wear-resistant coatings, high-temperature crucibles, and structural components for extreme environments.

5. Field Emission Displays

• Used in field-emission electron guns and cold cathode displays for high-resolution imaging and display technologies.

6. Nuclear Applications

• Investigated for neutron absorber and radiation shielding due to its high boron content.

Pricing of Lanthanum Hexaboride (LaB₆) Micron Powder

• Lab Scale (99% purity, 100g): $200 – $600
• Industrial Grade (1–5 kg): $3,000 – $8,000
• Custom Grades (99.99%+ ultra-high purity): $500 – $1,000 per 100g

Factors Affecting Price

• Purity Level (99% – 99.999%)
• Particle Size Distribution (1–10 µm)
• Production Method (solid-state reaction, arc melting)
• Packaging and moisture protection
• Order quantity and customization

Conclusion

Lanthanum Hexaboride (LaB₆) Micron Powder is a highly functional ceramic with outstanding emissivity, conductivity, and thermal resistance, making it indispensable in electron optics, high-temperature systems, and advanced material science. Its unique combination of electrical and thermal properties positions it as a critical material for the next generation of electronic and energy devices.