The mechanism of particle formation during homogeneous precipitation of zinc sulfide

Abstract

Monodisperse zinc sulfide particles were prepared by homogeneous precipitation from zinc sulfate solutions. Particle size could be adjusted in the range of 1 to 5 microns by changing the viscosity of the reaction medium. From electron micrographs of particles prepared in high viscosity media subparticles up to 50 nm in diameter could be observed. From these results it was concluded that particle growth took place predominantly by Brownian coagulation.

Furthermore, it was established that stirring the reactor content during the initial phase of particle formation alone did not influence particle size, nor did it promote coagulation of micron-sized spheres. We were able to prepare this material in amounts up to 2 kg of solid material from a reactor with a working volume of 36 l.