The element “lanthanum”

Rare earth , a commonly used analogy, can be said to be the vitamins of industry if oil is the blood of industry. Rare earth metals are a group of metals, consisting of 17 elements on the periodic table of chemical elements, such as lanthanum, cerium, and praseodymium, which are widely used in electronics, petrochemicals, metallurgy and other fields. These elements play a crucial role in enhancing the performance and functionality of various products and processes.

Scientists can discover new uses for rare earth metals every 3-5 years, and one in every six inventions relies on rare earth metals. This indicates the significant and continuous contribution that rare earth metals make to technological advancements and innovations.

China has rich reserves of rare earth metals, ranking first in the world in terms of reserves, production scale, and export volume. This not only reflects China’s abundant natural resources but also highlights its strong capabilities in mining, processing, and distribution of rare earth metals. At the same time, China is the only country that can provide all 17 rare earth metals, especially the medium and heavy rare earth metals with outstanding military applications. China’s 

dominant position in this aspect has attracted considerable attention and envy from other countries.

The element “lanthanum” was named in 1839 when a Swedish man named Moisander discovered that cerium earth contained other elements. He borrowed a Greek word meaning “hidden” to name the element “Lanthanum”, a decision that marked a significant step in the classification and understanding of chemical elements.

The application of lanthanum is very wide. For instance, in piezoelectric materials, it helps to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy and vice versa, making it indispensable in sensors and actuators. In heating materials, lanthanum contributes to improved heat transfer and stability. In thermoelectric materials, it enhances the efficiency of converting heat into electricity. In magnetic resistance materials, it modifies the magnetic properties, while in luminescent materials (LAN powder), it produces vivid and efficient light emissions. Lanthanum is also essential in hydrogen storage materials, allowing for more efficient storage and release of hydrogen. In optical glass, it improves the refractive index and clarity. In laser materials, it enables the generation of powerful and precise laser beams. Additionally, lanthanum is used in various alloy materials to enhance their strength, durability, and other properties. Lanthanum is also used in the preparation of many organic chemical products as a catalyst, facilitating chemical reactions and improving product yields. Moreover, lanthanum is used in photocatalytic agricultural films abroad, which have shown promising results in enhancing crop growth and protection. In foreign countries, scientists have given the role of lanthanum in crops the nickname of “super calcium”, emphasizing its vital importance in agricultural applications.