Submicron LaB6 powders with high purity prepared in large scale by salt-assisted combustion synthesis

Abstract

LaB6 powders were synthesized in large scale by salt-assisted combustion synthesis (CS) with different NaCl diluent contents. The variety of phases, particle size and purity of the powders were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). With increase of NaCl content, the adiabatic combustion temperature of the reaction system linearly declines, the average particle size of leached products decreases, the impurity phases are easier to remove, and the products purity enhances obviously. When NaCl content is 40 wt%, the purity of the superfine powders of LaB6 is more than 98 wt%, and the average particle size is 380 nm.