Fast and low cost synthesis of LaB4 and LaB6 nanowires
Umut Koyuncua, Mecit Aksua and Mustafa Erolb
a
Bozok University, Department of Chemistry, Yozgat TURKEY
Bozok University, Department of Physics, Yozgat TURKEY
e-mail mecitaksu@gmail.com
b
In this study, we synthesized LaB4 and LaB6 with direct magnesiothermic reduction at
700˚C in open air in good yield. Reaction of magnesium, boric oxide and lanthanum(lll) oxide
was carried out in a muffle at 700˚C. IR spectrum, x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning
Electron Microscopy analysis were used to characterize morphologies and structures of the
samples. X-ray diffraction analysis proved that LaB4 and LaB6 were synthesized. The
formation of the nanowires were proved by scanning electron microscopy analysis and XRD.
The growth of the LaB6 and LaB4 nanowires was based on the following chemical reaction:
La2O3 + 6B2O3 + 21Mg =2LaB6 + 21MgO
La2O3 + 4B2O3 + 15Mg =2LaB4 + 15MgO
LaB4 is cubic and LaB6 has tetragonal crystal system, nanowires are 0.5-1μm thick and 10-15
μm long We applied magnesiotermic reduction in open air which is fast and easy, rather than
chemical vapour deposition (CVD) technique. The preparation route illustrated here can
significantly reduce the cost of synthesis by avoiding use of low pressure, LaCl3, BCl3 inert
gases and special furnaces.
.
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