Advanced sol gel processing was used to synthesize high purity lanthanum hexaaluminate powders. The effect of seeding on the formation of lanthanum hexaaluminate was also studied by seeding the gel. Dry gel was calcined at various temperatures starting from 1100 degrees C to 1600 degrees C for 2 h to study the phase evolution. The combine effects of advanced sol gel processing and the presence of seeds promoted the formation of lanthanum hexaaluminate phase at lower temperature than the conventional routes. Lanthanum hexaaluminate phase was detected at 1201 degrees C and 1300 degrees C in seeded and un-seeded gels, respectively. The presence of seed decreases the temperature of formation of lanthanum hexaaluminate by 99 degrees C. Single phase lanthanum hexaaluminate was formed at 1600 degrees C in seeded gel whereas trace of lanthanum monoaluminate phase still present in un-seeded gel even at 1600 degrees C. (C) 2014 Elsevier BM. All rights reserved