The Structures of Rare-Earth Hexaborides

The structures of rare-earth hexaborides can be nanoparticles, nanowires, nanotubes, nanorods, nano-obelisks, nanocubes, nanocrystals and nanocons. These types of structures indicate superior properties, such as excellent mechanical, electronic, and optical properties. For these reasons, they are used in thermionic materials, electrical coating for resistors, sensors, and high-energy optical systems. Furthermore, their low work functions make them special for the design of optical devices, such as a cathode substance for cold (field) emission.