Description
Overview
Lanthanum, a soft and silvery-white rare earth metal, is highly reactive and requires careful handling, often processed into forms such as ingots, powder, or lanthanum oxide to suit a variety of industrial applications. Primarily extracted from bastnäsite and monazite ores through sophisticated separation and refining processes, lanthanum is a vital material in modern technologies. Renowned for its role in nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, it provides efficient energy storage for hybrid vehicles, portable electronics, and renewable energy systems, while its catalytic properties make it a key component in petroleum refining, particularly in fluid catalytic cracking to produce gasoline. Lanthanum is also used in optical glass manufacturing to enhance clarity and in phosphors for lighting applications. Its growing importance in sustainable energy and industrial processes, combined with its recyclability, positions lanthanum as a critical and eco-friendly resource in the technology metals market.
Properties
- Composition: Typically 99.9% or higher pure lanthanum.
- Density: 6.16 g/cm³.
- Melting Point: 920°C (1,688°F).
- Color: Silvery-white, metallic, and shiny (tarnishes rapidly in air).
- Malleability: Highly malleable, can be easily shaped.
- Ductility: Moderately ductile, can be drawn into wires.
- Electrical Conductivity: Moderate conductor, resistivity ~61 μΩ·cm at 20°C.
- Thermal Conductivity: Low, ~13.4 W/(m·K) at 20°C.
- Corrosion Resistance: Highly reactive, oxidizes quickly in air; reacts with water and acids.
Applications
- Nickel-metal hydride batteries (e.g., in hybrid vehicles)
- Catalysts in petroleum refining (e.g., fluid catalytic cracking)
- Optical glass (e.g., for camera lenses)
- Phosphors for lighting
- Ceramics (e.g., to improve thermal stability)
Packaging options
Standard Format:
Lanthanum ingots or powder, typically 1–5 kg per ingot
Packaging:
Packed in vacuum-sealed or argon-filled containers
Custom Sizes Available:
Can be processed into specific forms (e.g., powder, foil)
Market outlook
Holmium’s demand is niche, driven by its use in research and specialized magnets. Holmium oxide prices are around $50–$100 per kg as of early 2025, with China dominating supply. The market is expected to remain stable, with potential growth in laser and nuclear applications.
Purchase & Compliance
Certificate of analysis included. Third-party testing offered. KYC may apply for bulk orders.
If you’d like more details on any of these materials, such as specific applications, market trends, or technical specifications, send us a message!
