Zinc hydroxide sulphate and its transformation to crystalline zinc oxide.

Abstract

The thermal transformation of zinc hydroxide sulphate hydrate to zinc oxide has been examined using synchrotron X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and surface area measurements. By collecting X-ray diffraction data in situ, we found that the dehydration of zinc hydroxide sulphate pentahydrate proceeded in discrete steps to form anhydrous zinc hydroxide sulphate. This compound then decomposed to a mixture of zinc oxide and a compound tentatively identified as Zn3(OH)2(SO4)2 at ~235 °C. At ~360 °C, the final dehydroxylation occurred with the formation of zinc oxy-sulphate, Zn3O(SO4)2, which then decomposed to ZnO at about ~800 °C. Interruption of the dehydration process can be used to synthesize the intermediate compounds.

• Authors: Amir Moezzi, Michael B Cortie, Andrew M McDonagh
• Journal: Dalton transactions (Cambridge, England : 2003) (Dalton Trans) Vol. 42 Issue 40 Pg. 14432-7 (Oct 28 2013) ISSN: 1477-9234 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 23963063 (Publication Type: Journal Article)