Zinc sulfide is definitely an inorganic substance with all the chemical formulation ZnS, one in the common sulfur-containing compounds. Because of its unique physical and chemical properties, zinc sulfide has many applications in lots of areas.
Properties of zinc sulfide
Zinc sulfide is actually a white or slightly yellow powder usually found in nature in sphalerite. Its crystal structure is actually created by the alternating arrangement of sulfur ions and zinc ions, showing a hexagonal crystal structure. In dry air, zinc sulfide is stable rather than easily changed. However, when uses of zinc sulphide is subjected to humid air or even an environment containing moisture, it undergoes an oxidation reaction and gradually transforms into zinc sulfate.
How is the crystal structure of zinc sulfide formed?
The crystal structure of zinc sulfide includes sulfur ions (S2-) and zinc ions (Zn2 ) arranged according to a particular pattern. Inside the crystal structure, sulfur ions and zinc ions interact with one another through ionic bonds to make a stable crystal structure.
Specifically, the crystal structure of zinc sulfide can be considered a sphalerite-type structure formed by alternating arrangements of sulfur and zinc ions. Each zinc ion is encompassed by four sulfur ions in the crystal structure, forming a coordination tetrahedral structure. At the same time, each sulfur ion is encompassed by four zinc ions, forming an identical coordination tetrahedral structure. Within this structure, the interaction between sulfur and zinc ions is primarily through ionic bonding.
Additionally, in the crystal structure of zinc sulfide, the coordination tetrahedra of sulfur ions and zinc ions are interconnected within a certain way to make a three-dimensional crystal structure. This structure makes zinc sulfide highly stable and able to keep a good crystal structure at high temperatures and under oxygenated conditions.
In conclusion, the crystal structure of zinc sulfide is actually a sphalerite-type structure formed by the interaction of sulfur ions and zinc ions through ionic bonding, that gives zinc sulfide several unique physical and chemical properties and thus has a variety of applications in lots of fields.
Synthesis of zinc sulfide
Currently, there are many options for synthesizing zinc sulfide, as well as the following are some of the widely used synthesis methods:
Direct synthesis technique: Mix the appropriate level of sulfur powder and zinc oxide, heat to high temperature (about 500 ?), and you can get zinc sulfide. This technique is easy and simple to use but requires raw materials of zinc oxide rich in purity.
Reduction technique: Zinc sulfide can be obtained by mixing an appropriate level of zinc oxide having a reducing agent (e.g., hydrogen, carbon monoxide, etc.) and heating to a high temperature. This technique requires utilizing a reducing agent; the cost is higher, nevertheless it can get high-purity zinc sulfide products.
Precipitation technique: Mix the appropriate level of zinc sulfate solution with all the appropriate level of sodium sulfide solution, adjust the pH value to a certain range, and get white zinc sulfide precipitate. This technique is simple to function and can be used as large-scale production.
High-temperature self-propagation technique: High-purity zinc sulfide powder can be obtained by evenly mixing the appropriate level of zinc oxide powder and-purity sulfur powder and after that heating these to a very high temperature (about 600?) to trigger the self-propagation reaction. This technique requires high-purity raw materials and special equipment, but high-quality zinc sulfide products can be obtained.
Uses of zinc sulfide
Because of its unique physical and chemical properties, zinc sulfide has many applications in lots of fields. The following are some of the main areas of application:
Zinc sulfide powder is used in the following applications:
Analytical reagent: Zinc sulfide powder can be used an analytical reagent for determining the presence and content of certain substances, like for fluorescence analysis, colorimetric analysis, photometric analysis and so forth.
Fluorescents: Zinc sulfide powder can manufacture various fluorescents, like fluorescent tubes, monitors, X-ray fluorescent screens and so forth. Zinc sulfide powder is commonly used as being a fluorescent material because of its high luminous efficiency and stability.
Light conductor: Zinc sulfide powder has good electrical conductivity and optical properties and may manufacture various light conductor materials, like solar cells, photodiodes, etc.
Paint and pigment: Zinc sulfide powder has high covering power and coloring power; you can use it being an additive for paint and pigment, used in the manufacture of all sorts of white paint, zinc white pigment, and so forth.
Laser materials: Zinc sulfide powder can be used to manufacture various materials, like laser crystals and glass.
Optical instruments: Zinc sulfide powder can manufacture various optical instruments, like telescopes, microscopes, camera lenses, etc.
Catalyst: Zinc sulfide powder can catalyze certain chemical reactions, like alkylation and hydrogenation.
Rubber and plastic additives: Zinc sulfide powder can be used an additive for rubber and plastic to improve their properties like abrasion resistance, heat resistance and aging resistance.
Medical applications: Zinc sulfide powder can be utilized in the medical field, like to get ready drugs, medical equipment, etc.
In conclusion, zinc sulfide powder, an important inorganic material, has many applications in lots of fields. Using the continuous progress of technology and science, its application areas will be further expanded.
Just how do the fluorescent properties of zinc sulfide work?
Absorption of light energy: When light strikes zinc sulfide, the zinc sulfide can absorb light energy and convert it into excitation energy for electrons. This excitation energy causes the electrons to jump from a lower to a higher energy level, which puts the zinc sulfide in an excited state.
Emission of fluorescence: When zinc sulfide in the excited state returns for the low-energy state, it releases the stored energy as emitted photons. This released photon is fluorescence, along with its wavelength is over irradiated light. If trace quantities of activators, like Cu, Mn, Ag, etc., are put into zinc sulfide, it can emit fluorescence of various colors.
Fluorescence luminescence mechanism: The fluorescence luminescence mechanism is primarily made up of two processes, namely, excitation and radiation. Inside the excitation process, zinc sulfide absorbs light energy. It converts it in to the excitation energy of electrons, making the electrons jump from the low for the high energy level. In radiation, the excited electrons go back to the low energy state, releasing photons, i.e., fluorescence.
In conclusion, the fluorescence property of zinc sulfide is made by its absorption of light energy along with its conversion in to the excitation energy of electrons, which in turn releases energy as emitted photons. This fluorescent property makes zinc sulfide have a variety of applications in lots of fields, like fluorescent tubes, displays, and X-ray fluorescent screens.
Being an important inorganic substance, zinc sulfide has many applications in lots of fields. By understanding its properties and synthetic methods, we can better use zinc sulfide’s advantages and characteristics and expand its applications in a variety of fields. Meanwhile, the continuous exploration of the latest synthetic methods and application areas will assist you to promote greater progress in the research and implementation of zinc sulfide.
Top quality high purity zinc sulfide ZnS powder Supplier
Luoyang Tongrun Nano Technology Co. Ltd. (TRUNNANO) is actually a trusted huge chemical material zinc sulfide ZnS powder supplier & supplier with well over 12-year-experience in providing tremendously high-quality chemicals and Nanomaterials, including boride powder, nitride powder, graphite powder, sulfide powder, 3D printing powder, etc.
If you are searching for high-quality zinc sulfide ZnSpowder, please feel free to contact us and send an inquiry.(email address: [email protected])
We accept payment via Credit Card, T/T, West Union, and Paypal. TRUNNANO will ship the goods to customers overseas through FedEx, DHL, by air, or by sea.