Growth of Zinc Compound Nanocrystals from Different Electrolytes

Abstract

The influence of the electrolyte composition on electrolytically synthesized zinc compound powders has been studied. It has been shown that if an electrolyte made by dissolving Na₂S₂O₃ ∙ 5H₂O is kept at room temperature, a mixture of zinc sulfide and hydrozincite is obtained. An electrolyte containing Na₂SO₃ or Na₂S ∙ 9H₂O gives a mixture of hydrozincite with zinc oxide and/or with zinc sulfide. The size of nanocrystals has been determined. It has been found that hydrozincite decomposes into zinc oxide, water, and carbon dioxide in the temperature range of 200–250°C.