Zinc ions and zinc sulfide particles in sol-gel zirconium phosphate synthesis, thermal behavior and X-ray characterization

Zinc ions can be exchanged in sol-gel zirconium phosphate by using the batch or hydrothermal method. The zinc materials obtained that undergo thermal treatment after complete dehydration, can rehydrate fully or partially depending on whether half or all the zinc ions are exchanged. At high temperature syntherization is evident. By flowing sulfide acid over the zinc forms, zinc sulfide particles are formed and their amount depends on the length of time of the gas flow and on the state of hydration of the original material. This is not the case in the half exchanged zinc zirconium phosphate material. The decomposition temperature of the ZnS particles depends on their position in the exchanger: whether on the surface or between the layers of the host matrix. The XRD patterns of the materials obtained are similar to those of the sol-gel zirconium phosphate. The presence of ZnS particles is evident.