Study of some aspects of the reactivity of La2O3 with CO2 and H2O

The behaviour of three different samples of La₂O₃ on exposure to atmoshperic CO₂ and H₂O and the influence of the origin is discussed. The thermal evolution of the samples, stabilized in air for months or even years, has been studied by TG, TPD, IR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. BET surface areas of the samples were determined from the corresponding nitrogen adsorption isotherms at 77 K. In all three samples, hydration and carbonation occur in bulk. In accordance with our results, lanthana samples stabilized in air would consist of lanthanum hydroxide, La(OH)₃, partially carbonated, La₂(OH)_6–3x (CO₃) _x ,(x1). When hexagonal phases of La₂O₃, obtained by calcining, at 1130 K, the samples stabilized in air were re-exposed, hydration and carbonation levels similar to those observed in the stabilized samples were reached after less than 24 h. Some lanthana samples were soaked in water, at 298 K, and then dried at 380 K. In this way, the evolution of the oxide when treated under similar conditions to those used in both impregnation and ion exchange techniques for preparation of supported metal phases, could be investigated.