Lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) is an inorganic compound with remarkable properties. It is a refractory ceramic material, characterized by a dark purple appearance, a high melting point of 2210°C, and excellent stability in both vacuum and harsh chemical environments—it is insoluble in water and hydrochloric acid. Known for its low work function, LaB6 exhibits one of the highest electron emissivities, making it a highly efficient electron source.
LaB6 cathodes are high-performance, resistively heated thermionic electron emitters. Over the years, LaB6 hollow cathodes have demonstrated exceptional durability and reliability in electric propulsion systems. Hollow cathodes, which utilize materials with low work functions to efficiently emit electrons, are complex devices. LaB6 hollow cathodes with polycrystalline inserts are particularly well-suited for such applications due to their favorable properties.
Lanthanum Hexaboride Cathodes Advantages:
Extended lifespan
Exceptional stability
Low work function (high electron emissivity)
Strong resistance to thermal shock
Excellent electrical conductivity
Superior chemical and oxidation resistance
Lanthanum Hexaboride Applications:
Thermionic emission (cathodes)
Plasma sources for plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD)
Vacuum electron beam welding systems
Electron beam surface modification devices
Electron beam lithography systems
Transmission electron microscopes (TEM)
Scanning electron microscopes (SEM)
Surface analysis systems
Radiotherapy devices
Properties of Lanthanum Hexaboride:
Lanthanum Hexaboride Properties:
| Properties | Unit | Lanthanum Hexaboride |
| Purity | % | >99.5 |
| Density | g/cm3 | >4.30 |
| Structure | / | polycrystalline |
| Vickers hardness | HV | 1065 |
| Shore hardness | HS | HS |
| Thermal conductivity | W/mK | 15 |
| Electrical Conductivity | S/m | 1.83*10^6 |
| Flexural strength | MPa | 165 |
Lanthanum Boride Produce Process
Hot pressing sintering is a common method used to produce Lanthanum Boride (LaB6), especially due to its high melting point and excellent thermionic emission properties, Hot Press Sintering process for producing Lanthanum Boride is as below:
Raw Material Preparation-Powder Blending-Compaction-Hot Press Sintering Process
-Cooling and Finalization- Quality Control and Testing
Packaging of Lanthanum Boride
Given its fragile nature, LaB6 is typically vacuum-sealed in plastic bags, cushioned with thick foam, and packed in cartons to prevent damage during transportation. Special packaging arrangements can be made upon request.
Consult with Innovacera Engineers
Innovacera provide our customers with premium-quality Lanthanum Hexaboride ceramic components, supported by a team of experienced engineers who can assist with material selection and product design. For more information, please contact us at +86 592 558 9730 or email us at sales@innovacera.com.
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