Sinkkisulfiidi

Sinkkisulfiidi, or zinc sulfide (chemical formula ZnS), is a white to colorless crystalline compound. It occurs naturally as the mineral sphalerite, which is the principal ore of zinc. Zinc sulfide is used in a variety of luminescent and optical applications and is produced commercially in several crystalline forms.

The material exists mainly in two crystal structures: cubic zinc blende and hexagonal wurtzite. It is a wide-bandgap semiconductor, with a band gap of about 3.6 eV, which makes it transparent to visible light and suitable for optical and electronic applications. ZnS is insoluble in water and relatively stable under normal conditions. When exposed to acids, it can release hydrogen sulfide gas, which is toxic and requires proper handling.

Preparation and production methods commonly involve precipitation from aqueous solutions of zinc salts with sulfide sources (for example, sodium sulfide or hydrogen sulfide), yielding ZnS as a white solid. Industrial grades may also be derived from sulfidization processes of zinc oxide or directly from zinc-containing ores after appropriate processing to remove impurities.

Applications are diverse. ZnS is widely used as a phosphor doped with activators such as manganese (ZnS:Mn) or silver (ZnS:Ag) in fluorescent displays, scintillators, and electron-beam devices. It has historical importance in phosphor screens for CRTs and remains important in some luminous paints and specialty phosphors. ZnS, including doped varieties, is also used in infrared optics for certain transparent window materials and in some detector technologies.

Safety considerations include its insolubility and the potential irritation from dust. General occupational hygiene practices apply, and care should be taken to avoid inhalation of zinc sulfide dust.