Zinc sulfide is surely an inorganic substance with all the chemical formula ZnS, one in the common sulfur-containing compounds. Due to its unique physical and chemical properties, zinc sulfide has several applications in many areas.
Structures of zinc sulfide
Zinc sulfide is actually a white or slightly yellow powder usually present in nature in sphalerite. Its crystal structure is actually created through the alternating arrangement of sulfur ions and zinc ions, showing a hexagonal crystal structure. In dry air, zinc sulfide is stable and not easily changed. However, when zinc sulphide supplier is in contact with humid air or even an environment containing moisture, it undergoes an oxidation reaction and gradually transforms into zinc sulfate.
How will be the crystal structure of zinc sulfide formed?
The crystal structure of zinc sulfide includes sulfur ions (S2-) and zinc ions (Zn2 ) arranged in accordance with a certain pattern. In the crystal structure, sulfur ions and zinc ions interact together through ionic bonds to create a stable crystal structure.
Specifically, the crystal structure of zinc sulfide can be thought of as a sphalerite-type structure formed by alternating arrangements of sulfur and zinc ions. Each zinc ion is in the middle of four sulfur ions within the crystal structure, forming a coordination tetrahedral structure. Simultaneously, each sulfur ion is in the middle of four zinc ions, forming a similar coordination tetrahedral structure. In this structure, the interaction between sulfur and zinc ions is primarily through ionic bonding.
In addition, within the crystal structure of zinc sulfide, the coordination tetrahedra of sulfur ions and zinc ions are interconnected in a certain way to create a three-dimensional crystal structure. This structure makes zinc sulfide highly stable capable to have a good crystal structure at high temperatures and under oxygenated conditions.
In summary, the crystal structure of zinc sulfide is actually a sphalerite-type structure formed through the interaction of sulfur ions and zinc ions through ionic bonding, that gives zinc sulfide a number of unique physical and chemical properties and thus has a variety of applications in many fields.
Synthesis of zinc sulfide
Currently, there are many techniques for synthesizing zinc sulfide, as well as the following are the frequently used synthesis methods:
Direct synthesis method: Mix the correct level of sulfur powder and zinc oxide, heat to high temperature (about 500 ?), and you could get zinc sulfide. This method is simple and easy to use but requires raw materials of zinc oxide with high purity.
Reduction method: Zinc sulfide can be obtained by mixing a suitable level of zinc oxide having a reducing agent (e.g., hydrogen, deadly carbon monoxide, etc.) and heating to a high temperature. This method requires using a reducing agent; the cost is higher, nevertheless it will get high-purity zinc sulfide products.
Precipitation method: Mix the correct 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 method is not hard to function and can be used as large-scale production.
High-temperature self-propagation method: High-purity zinc sulfide powder can be obtained by evenly mixing the correct level of zinc oxide powder and high-purity sulfur powder and then heating them to a high temperature (about 600?) to trigger the self-propagation reaction. This method requires high-purity raw materials and special equipment, but high-quality zinc sulfide products can be obtained.
Uses of zinc sulfide
Due to its unique physical and chemical properties, zinc sulfide has several applications in many fields. These are the main regions of application:
Zinc sulfide powder is used within the following applications:
Analytical reagent: Zinc sulfide powder can be used as an analytical reagent for determining the presence and content of certain substances, such as for fluorescence analysis, colorimetric analysis, photometric analysis and so on.
Fluorescents: Zinc sulfide powder can manufacture various fluorescents, such as fluorescent tubes, monitors, X-ray fluorescent screens and so on. Zinc sulfide powder is popular as a fluorescent material because of its high luminous efficiency and stability.
Light conductor: Zinc sulfide powder has good electrical conductivity and optical properties and can manufacture various light conductor materials, such as solar cells, photodiodes, etc.
Paint and pigment: Zinc sulfide powder has high covering power and coloring power; you can use it as an additive for paint and pigment, utilized in the manufacture of all sorts of white paint, zinc white pigment, and so on.
Laser materials: Zinc sulfide powder can be used to manufacture various materials, such as laser crystals and glass.
Optical instruments: Zinc sulfide powder can manufacture various optical instruments, such as telescopes, microscopes, camera lenses, etc.
Catalyst: Zinc sulfide powder can catalyze certain chemical reactions, such as alkylation and hydrogenation.
Rubber and plastic additives: Zinc sulfide powder can be used as an additive for rubber and plastic to boost their properties such as abrasion resistance, heat resistance and aging resistance.
Medical applications: Zinc sulfide powder can be used within the medical field, such as to prepare drugs, medical equipment, etc.
In summary, zinc sulfide powder, a significant inorganic material, has several applications in many fields. With the continuous progress of technology and science, its application areas is going to 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 leap from a lower to a higher energy level, which puts the zinc sulfide within an excited state.
Emission of fluorescence: When zinc sulfide within the excited state returns for the low-energy state, it releases the stored energy as emitted photons. This released photon is fluorescence, and its wavelength is longer than irradiated light. If trace levels of activators, such as Cu, Mn, Ag, etc., are put into zinc sulfide, it could emit fluorescence of numerous colors.
Fluorescence luminescence mechanism: The fluorescence luminescence mechanism is primarily made from two processes, namely, excitation and radiation. In the excitation process, zinc sulfide absorbs light energy. It converts it to the excitation energy of electrons, making the electrons jump from your low for the high energy level. In radiation, the excited electrons go back to the low energy state, releasing photons, i.e., fluorescence.
To sum up, the fluorescence property of zinc sulfide is produced by its absorption of light energy and its conversion 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 many fields, such as fluorescent tubes, displays, and X-ray fluorescent screens.
Being an important inorganic substance, zinc sulfide has several applications in many fields. By understanding its properties and synthetic methods, we could better use zinc sulfide’s advantages and characteristics and expand its applications in a variety of fields. Meanwhile, the continuous exploration of brand new synthetic methods and application areas will help you to promote greater progress within the research and application of zinc sulfide.
High quality high purity zinc sulfide ZnS powder Supplier
Luoyang Tongrun Nano Technology Co. Ltd. (TRUNNANO) is actually a trusted global chemical material zinc sulfide ZnS powder supplier & producer with over 12-year-experience with providing very 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.