Zinc sulfide is definitely an inorganic chemical substance using the chemical formula ZnS, one from the common sulfur-containing compounds. Due to the unique physical and chemical properties, zinc sulfide has several applications in numerous areas.
Attributes of zinc sulfide
Zinc sulfide is a white or slightly yellow powder usually found 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 rather than easily changed. However, when phosphorescent zinc sulfide is subjected to humid air or 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 consists of sulfur ions (S2-) and zinc ions (Zn2 ) arranged in accordance with a particular pattern. In the crystal structure, sulfur ions and zinc ions interact together through ionic bonds to form 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 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. Within this structure, the interaction between sulfur and zinc ions is principally through ionic bonding.
Furthermore, within the crystal structure of zinc sulfide, the coordination tetrahedra of sulfur ions and zinc ions are interconnected within a certain way to form a three-dimensional crystal structure. This structure makes zinc sulfide highly stable and able to have a good crystal structure at high temperatures and under oxygenated conditions.
In conclusion, the crystal structure of zinc sulfide is a sphalerite-type structure formed through the interaction of sulfur ions and zinc ions through ionic bonding, which gives zinc sulfide several unique physical and chemical properties and thus has an array of applications in numerous fields.
Synthesis of zinc sulfide
Currently, there are numerous techniques for synthesizing zinc sulfide, and the following are the frequently used synthesis methods:
Direct synthesis method: Mix the proper level of sulfur powder and zinc oxide, heat to high temperature (about 500 ?), and you can get zinc sulfide. This method is easy and simple to make use of but requires raw materials of zinc oxide with higher purity.
Reduction method: Zinc sulfide can be obtained by mixing a suitable level of zinc oxide using a reducing agent (e.g., hydrogen, carbon monoxide, etc.) and heating to a high temperature. This method requires using a reducing agent; the cost is higher, but it will get high-purity zinc sulfide products.
Precipitation method: Mix the proper level of zinc sulfate solution using the appropriate level of sodium sulfide solution, adjust the pH value to a certain range, and acquire white zinc sulfide precipitate. This method is simple to use and can be used for large-scale production.
High-temperature self-propagation method: High-purity zinc sulfide powder can be obtained by evenly mixing the proper level of zinc oxide powder and high-purity sulfur powder and after that 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 the unique physical and chemical properties, zinc sulfide has several applications in numerous fields. The subsequent are the main areas of application:
Zinc sulfide powder can be used within the following applications:
Analytical reagent: Zinc sulfide powder can be used an analytical reagent for determining the presence and content of certain substances, including for fluorescence analysis, colorimetric analysis, photometric analysis and so on.
Fluorescents: Zinc sulfide powder can manufacture various fluorescents, including fluorescent tubes, monitors, X-ray fluorescent screens and so on. Zinc sulfide powder is widely used as being a fluorescent material due to the high luminous efficiency and stability.
Light conductor: Zinc sulfide powder has good electrical conductivity and optical properties and can manufacture various light conductor materials, including 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 types of white paint, zinc white pigment, and so on.
Laser materials: Zinc sulfide powder could be used to manufacture various materials, including laser crystals and glass.
Optical instruments: Zinc sulfide powder can manufacture various optical instruments, including telescopes, microscopes, camera lenses, etc.
Catalyst: Zinc sulfide powder can catalyze certain chemical reactions, including alkylation and hydrogenation.
Rubber and plastic additives: Zinc sulfide powder can be used an additive for rubber and plastic to enhance their properties including abrasion resistance, heat resistance and aging resistance.
Medical applications: Zinc sulfide powder can be used within the medical field, including to get ready drugs, medical equipment, etc.
In conclusion, zinc sulfide powder, an important inorganic material, has several applications in numerous fields. With all the continuous progress of science and technology, its application areas is going to be further expanded.
How can 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 the 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 to the low-energy state, it releases the stored energy by means of emitted photons. This released photon is fluorescence, and its wavelength is longer than irradiated light. If trace levels of activators, including Cu, Mn, Ag, etc., are added to zinc sulfide, it could emit fluorescence of numerous colors.
Fluorescence luminescence mechanism: The fluorescence luminescence mechanism is principally made from two processes, namely, excitation and radiation. In the excitation process, zinc sulfide absorbs light energy. It converts it into the excitation energy of electrons, making the electrons jump through the low to the high energy level. In radiation, the excited electrons come back to the reduced energy state, releasing photons, i.e., fluorescence.
In summary, the fluorescence property of zinc sulfide is made by its absorption of light energy and its conversion into the excitation energy of electrons, which in turn releases energy by means of emitted photons. This fluorescent property makes zinc sulfide have an array of applications in numerous fields, including fluorescent tubes, displays, and X-ray fluorescent screens.
As being an important inorganic chemical substance, zinc sulfide has several applications in numerous fields. By understanding its properties and synthetic methods, we are able to better use zinc sulfide’s advantages and characteristics and expand its applications in various fields. Meanwhile, the continuous exploration of brand new synthetic methods and application areas will help to promote greater progress within the research and application of zinc sulfide.
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