Zinc Sulfide Research Articles

Evaluating the photocatalytic properties of zinc sulfide and zinc indium sulfide microspheres: A comparative approach

Evaluating the photocatalytic properties of zinc sulfide and zinc indium sulfide microspheres: A comparative approach

Application of Mechano-Luminescence-Optoelectronic Composites for Delamination Detection in Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites

Abstract Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have attracted significant attention from the aerospace industry in recent years. FRP composites have the advantage of being light weight, high strength and resistant to corrosion making them an attractive option for various applications in the aerospace industry. However, FRP composites are prone to delamination which can eventually compromise structural integrity leading to sudden failure. An effective damage detection methodology is therefore necessary to monitor delamination in structures. In this study, mechano-luminescence-optoelectronic (MLO) composites were integrated with FRP composites to create MLO-FRP test coupons for delamination detection. The MLO composites were prepared by coupling a Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT)-based sensor with a copper dopped zinc sulfide (ZnS:Cu) composite. MLO composites were attached to the surface of FRP composites to create MLO-FRP test coupons. The MLO-FRP test coupon was mounted on a 3-point bending load frame and subjected to cyclic loading and unloadings at various displacements with the first displacement starting from zero to 5 mm. The second displacement starting from zero to 6 mm and so on. A direct current (DC) voltage was recorded from the MLO composites at a constant loading rate to validate its DC-based strain sensing capability. Other parameters such as applied load, strain energy release rate and strain were also obtained with the aim of tracking delamination propagation in FRP composites. Results showed MLO composites were sensitive to delamination propagation highlighting their potential to be used in structures for health monitoring.

Solventless Synthesis of Zinc Sulphide Nanoparticles from Zinc Bis(diethyldithiocarbamate) as a Single Source Precursor.

This study explores the synthesis of nanoparticles through the thermal decomposition of single-source precursors, a method gaining popularity due to its low cost, minimal environmental toxicity, rapidity, scalability, and the ability to form nanoparticles with few defects. Zinc ethyl carbamate was synthesized and characterized using 1HNMR and infrared spectroscopy. Its purity was confirmed through microelemental analysis and melting point determination. The melting point of the complex was determined to be 165 °C. The thermogravimetric analyses indicated a one-step decomposition of zinc ethyl carbamate with a decomposition onset of of 200 °C, yielding a stable ZnS residue. Further thermal decomposition led to the formation of wurtzite phase ZnS nanoparticles, as evidenced by XRD. SEM micrographs displayed mixed spherical, and cubic unevenly sized, polydispersed nanoparticles, while EDX revealed approximately a 1 : 1 Zn to S ratio. Estimated band gap from the Tauc's plot gave 3.93 eV and 3.42 eV for the nanoparticles synthesized at 300 and 400 °C respectively. The wide difference in the band gaps may be as a result of the larger particles observed at 400 °C and the deformations in the sample as observed in the SEM.

Review and Outlook of Zinc Sulfide Nanostructures for Supercapacitors

Review and Outlook of Zinc Sulfide Nanostructures for Supercapacitors

Cohesive energy model for the optical properties in nanostructured materials of zinc sulfide and cadmium selenide

Applying the cohesive energy model, this research theoretically studies how the size of nanoparticles affects their optical characteristics. The findings demonstrate that optical characteristics are size-dependent for nanoparticles, with an exponentially growing energy gap for nanoparticles on a scale of less than 4 nm. As the size of nanoparticles is reduced, the absorption wavelength also decreases. Compounds undergo a transition to a higher energy spectral area (blue shift) when their wavelength decreases; this change can make these compounds effective in certain optical nanodevices.

Influence of annealing temperature on nano crystalline description for CuZnS thin films

Copper Zinc Sulphide (Cu0.5Zn0.5S) alloy and thin films were fabricated in a vacuum. Nano crystallized (CZS) film with thick 450±20 nm was deposit at substrates glasses using thermal evaporation technique below ~ 2 × 10− 5 mbar vacuum to investigated the films structural, morphological and optical properties depended on annealing temperatures ( as-deposited, 423, 523 and 623) K for one hour. The influences annealed temperature on structurally besides morphologically characteristics on these films were investigated using XRD and AFM respectively. XRD confirms the formation a mixed hexagonal phase of CuS-ZnS in (102) direction with polycrystalline in nature having very fine crystallites size varying from (5.5-13.09) nm. AFM analysis shows the uniform distribution of closely packed grains, grain size for that film diverge on ranges as of (52.37 to 89.25) nm after annealed. The optical properties of all films prepared had been examined for the wavelength range 400 - 1000 nm using UV-Vis-NIR spectrometer. The band gaps of (Cu0.5Zn0.5S) films are obtained in the range of 2.4 to 1.9 eV, which makes it a suitable absorber as well as buffer/window layer for solar cell applications.

Trace Selenium Doping for Improving the Reaction Kinetics of ZnS Cathode for Aqueous Zn-S Batteries.

Aqueous Zinc-sulfur (Zn-S) batteries are promising for the field of energy storage due to their low cost, high theoretical capacity, and safety. However, the large volume expansion and the inherently poor conductivity of sulfur would result in electrode cracking and sluggish reaction kinetics, limiting the practical application of Zn-S batteries. Herein, commercial zinc sulfide (ZnS) is employed instead of S as cathode and proposed a doping modification strategy to solve the above problems. The designed ZnS0.93Se0.07 cathode shows good cycle stability and much-improved reaction kinetics, which is due to the smaller bandgap of ZnS0.93Se0.07 (1.40eV) compared to ZnS (1.86eV). As a result, the obtained ZnS0.93Se0.07 cathode exhibits a high specific capacity of 552 mAh g-1 (1672.6 mAh g-1 based on S) at 0.1 A g-1 and 330 mAh g-1 (1000 mAh g-1 based on S) at 2 A g-1. Moreover, the ZnS0.93Se0.07 cathode can provide a high areal capacity of 3.8 mAh cm-2 at a high mass loading of 10mg cm-2 and limited electrolyte (4µL mg-1). This work provides a simple and effective cathode modification strategy, which is conducive to promoting the practical application of Zn-S batteries.

Properties investigation of ZnS/porous silicon heterojunction for gas sensing

In this work, the gas sensing properties of ZnS/Porous silicon heterostructures have been investigated. . Zinc sulfide(ZnS) with high gas sensing performance is successfully synthesized over the Porous silicon substrate by the spray pyrolysis method. The properties of the as-prepared samples were characterized X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform spectrum (FTIR) and optical properties. The results reveal that the properties of the ZnS/Porous silicon heterostructures enhanced when the when the ZnS concentration is increased. The performance ZnS/Porous silicon as a gas-sensing show that the maximum sensitivity is found to be 5.11 at ZnS concentration of 0.5 M and etching time of 15 min compared to the other sensitivities. The ZnS-PSi heterojunction based gas sensor may be used for UV-light photo-detectors due to a valuable properties such as high sensitivity and fast response.

Impact of Basic Bath on Optical and Electrical Characteristics of Zinc Sulfide (ZnS) Thin Films

Impact of Basic Bath on Optical and Electrical Characteristics of Zinc Sulfide (ZnS) Thin Films

Unleashing Ultrahigh Capacity and Lasting Stability: Aqueous Zinc‐Sulfur Batteries

AbstractDespite of multifarious dominance of sulfur‐based batteries, polysulfide‐shuttling and use of high‐cost organic electrolytes with flammability risks hinder their applicability as commercial devices. Herein a polysulfide‐free aqueous zinc‐sulfur (Zn─S) rechargeable battery is explored, which offers a low‐cost and environmentally friendly energy storage system being Zn and Sulfur (S) highly abundant with high theoretical capacity. However, the stability of Zn anode is quite challenging due to dendritic growth and corrosion leading to the capacity decay. This work showcases the utilization of ethylene glycol (EG) and iodine (I2) as an electrolyte additive in aqueous zinc acetate [Zn(OAc)2] electrolyte for stabilizing the Zn─S battery performance. EG as an additive is able to mitigate the corrosion rate of the Zn electrode by 15 times which is supported by molecular dynamics simulation. The assembled Zn─S battery delivered an outstanding capacity of 1210 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C with a 91% capacity retention even after 250 cycles, along with remarkable reversible prolonged cycling stability of 3000 cycles at 1 C, with 64.5% capacity retention. More importantly, in situ electrochemical Raman spectroscopy is utilized to monitor the real‐time formation of zinc sulfide (ZnS) as a single discharge product and simultaneously debunking the polysulfide shuttling in the system which is further supported by XPS, UV‐Vis and IR spectroscopy.

Imaging of low Z masked with high Z (Pb, U) materials using 14 MeV neutron

An experimental study has been performed using 14 MeV neutrons for imaging of low Z material (particularly composed of C, H, O elements) masked with thick layers of dense and high Z materials. The experimental setup consists of a D-T neutron generator, a metallic collimator and an imaging system. The imaging system is designed with a polypropylene zinc sulphide scintillator screen integrated with a lens coupled 16-bit ICCD camera. Imaging capability of the system was investigated using iron test samples with holes and line pair features. The minimum hole size of 2 mm could be imaged at a contrast of 36% and a line of 2 mm width visible at a contrast of 24% indicating the system's resolution of ∼ mm. Low Z samples such as water (H2O) and polyethylene (C2H2) n placed behind thick layers of Pb (40 mm) and Uranium (35 mm), were imaged successfully. These images reveal the system's ability towards low Z material imaging in the presence of heavier metals. Good contrast images acquired at a lower neutron yield of ∼ 5 × 108 n/sec of D-T neutron generator has provided a possibility to realise fast neutron imaging having moderate resolution (∼ mm) with a smaller footprint and an economical system design for field applications.

Recent advancement in the synthesis of zinc sulphide thin films

This research work has given an overview on the preparation of zinc sulphide thin films on different types of substrates (quartz, soda lime glass, silicon, polyethylene terephthalate film, fluorine-doped tin oxide glass, indium tin oxide coated glass, silica, stainless steel, mica, microscopy glass slide and (100) GaAs substrate) using different types of deposition methods. XRD data showed information about the different phases (cubic, wurtzite and hexagonal) presented in the obtained as-deposited films and annealed samples. Based on optical studies, the band gap was observed in the range of 2.6 eV to 3.87 eV with good absorption coefficient value (105 to 106 cm-1). Experimental results indicated these films could be used in solar cell applications, anti-reflection coating, photocatalysts, photo detector devices and laser-oriented coating applications.

Influence of the Phosphor Layer Composition on Flexible Electroluminescent Device Performance

Electroluminescence (EL) is an innovative technology in the lighting area. EL devices’ main structure consists of a phosphor layer sandwiched between two electrodes. In this work, several alternating-current EL devices were developed by applying a set of sequential layers with combinations of in-house prepared inks and a commercially available ink as the phosphor layer. A flexible polyester textile substrate was functionalized with the inks by spray coating, after knife coating an interfacial layer directly on the surface. A thorough study was carried out on the phosphor layer composition to optimize the EL device performance, more precisely, illuminance intensity and illuminance homogeneity. The developed phosphor layer was composed of zinc sulfide doped with copper (between 30.0 and 38.1 wt%) and diluted by using a diluent at different concentrations (from 28.0 to 35.5 wt%). The best peak illuminance intensity of 61 lux was obtained when the phosphor ink presented a 35.4% ZnS:Cu ratio and was diluted with 33.0% diluent. This study aimed to determine the best formulation of the phosphor layer, which can be highly useful for further developments of EL devices, taking into account different applications in the market.

Radiation shielding properties of heavy-weight concrete and heavy-weight geopolymer concrete incorporating nano-ZnS

The population growth and the subsequent increase in energy demand for buildings require the widespread use of sustainable materials in the construction industry. Therefore, geopolymer concretes (GPC) are expanding with the ability to emit less greenhouse gases (GHG) compared to conventional concrete. In this study, the effect of adding different content of Zinc sulfide nanoparticle (nano-ZnS) 0, 1.5, 3, 4.5, and 6 % by weight of cement on density (ρ), compressive strength, gamma ray radiation protection characteristics, and microstructure based on scanning electron microscope (SEM) is investigated in heavy-weight concrete (HWC) and heavy-weight geopolymer concrete (HGC). The results have shown that nano-ZnS nanoparticles improve the strength and gamma ray shielding properties of HWC and HGC by modifying the microstructure so that by adding the optimal amount of 6 % nano-ZnS, the maximum compressive strength for HWC and HGC was obtained by 57.4 and 41.5 %, respectively. In addition, the highest linear attenuation coefficient (µ)was obtained with the addition of 4.5 % nano-ZnS for HWC and HGC, 12.8 and 8.9 %, respectively.Furthermore, the life cycle assessment (LCA) of the three phases of raw material production, transportation and concrete production has revealed that HGC has emitted 41.5 % less CO2 compared to HWC. In general, HGC in the presence of the optimal amount of nanoparticles has shown a more visible improvement in compressive strength and gamma ray shielding properties. In addition, HGC as an environmentally friendly material, has significantly reduced the emission of CO2.

Toward Sustainable Electroluminescent Devices for Lighting and Sensing

AbstractIn today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, electroluminescent devices have emerged as pivotal components, illuminating a path toward energy‐efficient lighting solutions, advanced displays, and integrated sensing technologies, profoundly impacting sectors ranging from consumer electronics to sustainable urban development. Based in such socio‐scientific‐economic scenario, and in the pursuit of sustainable and environmentally conscious technologies, this work presents a novel approach to the development of a multifunctional electroluminescent (EL) device capable of both efficient lighting and electric field frequency sensing applications. The proposed device integrates a composite based on zinc sulfide co‐doped with copper (ZnS:Cu) phosphor particles and plant‐based UV resin, to achieve enhanced functional properties and reduced environmental impact. The developed anycubic plant‐based UV resin clear (ECOr)/ZnS:Cu inks display viscosity values between 0.5 and 100 Pa.s (ensuring good quality of screen‐prints), and after printing composites exhibit thermal stability up to ≈200 °C; morphological homogeneity, dielectric properties dependent on the ZnS:Cu content (dielectric constant of 12.8 for the sample with 80 wt.% of filler); 30 cd.m2 luminance for the sample with 80 wt.% of ZnS:Cu; and colorimetric electric field frequency sensing capability in the 0–3 kHz range. Thus, this research contributes to the advancement of sustainable technologies that prioritize both multifunctionality and environmental responsibility in the fabrication of electroluminescent devices for lighting and sensing.

Weak alkaline flotation separation of galena from sphalerite with 6-butylamino-1,3,5-triazine-2(1H)-thione-4-thiol sodium

The reduction of lime usage in flotation separation of lead–zinc sulfide ores has an interesting topic for protecting environment and recovering valuable metal minerals. In this study, BN (6-butylamino-1,3,5-triazine-2(1H)-thione-4-thiol sodium) was introduced for the first time as a selective collector for galena flotation. The results of UV spectra, adsorption capacity, zeta potential and in-situ AFM manifested that BN exhibited the selective affinity towards Pb2+ over Zn2+ ions, and preferred to adsorb on galena surface, not on sphalerite. The FTIR and XPS further uncovered that BN assembled on galena via bonding its sulfur atoms with lead ions of galena to form the surface BN-Pb complexes. The micro-flotation findings revealed that BN returned the stronger collecting power and higher selectivity than isobutyl xanthate during flotation separation of galena from sphalerite, and achieved their effective separation at low alkaline conditions (pH ∼ 8.0). This study also offers an enlightenment for the design of chelating collectors suitable for use under weak alkaline conditions.

High peak power passively Q-switched Tm:YAP solid-state laser with Cr2+:ZnSe and Cr2+:ZnS saturable absorber

We experimentally demonstrate a passively Q-switched thulium-doped YAlO3 (Tm:YAP) laser based on the Cr2+:ZnSe (Chromium, Zinc Selenide) and Cr2+:ZnS (Zinc Sulfide) crystals. Wavelength tuning for 1.87 μm, 1.90 μm, and 1.94 μm operations was achieved by employing a birefringent plate. The impact of varying doping concentrations of Cr2+:ZnS crystals and a Cr2+:ZnSe crystal on the laser output was investigated. During the analysis, the passively Q-switched Tm:YAP laser achieved a pulse with the highest peak power of 107.5 kW and the narrowest pulse width of ∼6 ns, utilizing a Cr2+:ZnSe crystal as the saturable absorber (SA) with a modulation depth (ΔR) of 14 %.

Optimized piezoelectric bone regeneration through inhibiting sympathetic nerve-bone interaction

Electrical cues are crucial for osteogenesis. To tackle critical-sized bone defects, piezoelectric materials non-invasively generate electrical stimuli via ultrasonic excitation, imitating natural bone's piezoelectricity. Two-dimensional piezoelectric nanomaterials, with their flexibility and cellular interactions, effectively improve osteogenic outcomes. Yet, the concurrent electrical and injury signals may overly activate sympathetic nerves, causing excessive norepinephrine release, which hinders osteogenic differentiation by targeting mesenchymal stem cells' β2-receptors. Addressing this, we developed a sophisticated drug carrier, encapsulating piezoelectric zinc sulfide (ZnS) in a polydopamine (PDA) coating with the β blocker propranolol (PRO), creating ZnS@PDA-PRO. This nanocarrier generates electrical signals and releases Zn2+ to promote osteogenic differentiation, while PRO mitigates sympathetic nerve inhibition, enhancing the regeneration of critical-sized bone defects.

Experimental and simulation study on the flotation separation of smithsonite from dolomite using phosphoryl carboxyl copolymer as a novel depressant

The increasing need for zinc resources and the diminishing supply of sulfide zinc ore reserves have made the extensive application of zinc oxide a significant topic of interest. This study investigates the effects of a newly depressant, phosphorus acyl carboxylic acid copolymer (POCA), in the sodium oleate (NaOL) collector system on the flotation separation of smithsonite from dolomite. Micro-flotation experiments under optimal conditions (pH 9, NaOL 80 mg/L) reveal that adding a minute quantity (5 mg/L) of POCA effectively inhibit dolomite, resulting in a significant recovery rate difference (>80 %). The assessment of POCA adsorption strength on the surface of the mineral, together with the level of ions in solution, provides convincing proof of POCA's dual behavior in selective adsorption and dissolution on the dolomite surface. These discoveries are additionally substantiated by the outcomes of zeta potential and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) tests. These tests show that the pre-adsorption of POCA diminishes the bond between NaOL and dolomite, while the impact of POCA on smithsonite is negligible. Furthermore, the chemical adsorption between POCA and dolomite has been confirmed through X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) reveals that POCA has a stronger adsorption-dissolution effect on dolomite than on smithsonite. These findings align with the outcomes of molecular dynamics and Density functional theory (DFT) simulations.

Sulfuric acid leaching of a complex zinc sulfide concentrate with high copper and lead concentrations under oxygen pressure

ABSTRACT This paper presents the use of an oxygen pressure-based acid leaching process for the selective extraction of basic metals from a complex zinc ore containing high concentrations of lead (6.00%) and copper (2.47%). The effects of leaching temperature, ore particle size distribution, leaching time, liquid-to-solid ratio, and oxygen partial pressure on the leaching efficiencies of zinc and copper were investigated, and the phase transformation behaviour of lead compounds was studied. Under the optimal conditions that is, a particle size of −48/+40 μm, initial sulfuric acid concentration of 150 g/L, liquid-to-solid ratio of 6:1, leaching time of 150 min, leaching temperature of 150°C, and oxygen partial pressure of 0.8 MPa – the leaching efficiencies of zinc, copper, and iron were 98.85%, 82.69%, and 33%, respectively. The leaching residue showed that almost all of the zinc sulfide was dissolved as ZnSO4, and most of the negatively charged bivalent sulfur was converted to zero-valent element sulfur. Through the pressure leaching reaction, galena in the concentrate was converted to lead jarosite (PbFe6(SO4)4(OH)12) and elemental sulfur. The formation of lead jarosite facilitated the removal of a significant portion of iron during leaching, reducing the subsequent purification burden.