Lanthanum was used for the first time as an additive to the sol–gel precursor lithium aluminosilicate (Li2O–Al2O3–2SiO2) to prepare β-eucryptite at different temperatures. The influence of La additive on the phase transition of β-eucryptite was studied by X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. Scanning electron microscope analysis showed that plenty of large aspect ratio rod-like β-eucryptite was formed in the sample containing La additive at 1180C, and then gradually disappeared at higher sintering temperature. The La additive formed a low-temperature liquid phase LiLaSiO4 and promoted the crystal growth of β-eucryptite at 1350C. Li+ conductivity of bulk β-eucryptite with La additive was higher than that without La additive below 603 K.

Influence of Lanthanum Additive on Phase Transition, Microstructure and Lithium Ionic Conductivity of Beta-Eucryptite. J.Li, H.Lin, J.Li, J.Wu: Materials Letters, 2010, 64[3], 298-300