Apr 19 2013
Cadmium sulfide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula CdS. It is a yellow solid and a semiconductor of electricity. It occurs in nature with two different polymorphs, cubic hawleyite, and hexagonal greenockite. However, it is more common as an impurity substituent in the similarly structured ores of zinc, wurtzite, and sphalerite, which are the major sources of cadmium.
Applications
Cadmium sulfide is mainly used as a pigment owing to its good thermal stability, light and weather fastness, chemical resistance, and high opacity.
Other applications of cadmium sulfide are listed below:
- Photoresistors
- Thin-film transistors
- Transducers
- Solar cells
- Electrochemical deposition
- Sol-gel techniques
- Screen printing.
Chemical Properties
The chemical properties of cadmium sulfide are provided in the table below:
| Chemical Properties |
| Chemical Formula |
CdS |
| Molecular Weight |
144.48 |
| CAS No. |
1306-23-6 |
| Group |
Cadmium - 12
Selenium -16 |
| Crystal Structure |
Hexagonal, Cubic |
| Lattice Constants |
a=4.160 Å
c=6.756 Å |
Electrical Properties
The electrical properties of cadmium sulfide are provided in the table below:
| Electrical Properties |
| Dielectric Constant |
8.9 |
| Band Gap |
2.42 eV |
| Electron Mobility |
350 cm2/Vs |
| Hole Mobility |
40 cm2/Vs |
Thermal, Mechanical and Optical Properties
The thermal, mechanical, and optical properties of cadmium sulfide are provided in the tables below:
| Thermal Properties |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient |
a 1=6.26´10-6/K
a 3=3.5´10-6/K |
| Specific Heat Capacity |
0.47 J/gK |
| Thermal Conductivity |
40.1 W/mK |
| Mechanical Properties |
| Young’s Modulus |
45 GPa |
| Melting Point |
1750°C |
| Boiling Point |
980°C |
| Density |
4.826 g/cm3 |
| Optical Properties |
| Refractive Index |
2.529 |
Safety Information
| Safety Information |
| GHS Hazard Statements |
H225 - Highly flammable liquid and vapor
H304 - May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways
H315 - Causes skin irritation
H336 - May cause drowsiness or dizziness
H350 - May cause cancer
H373 - May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure |
| Safety Precautions |
P201 - Obtain special instructions before use
P210 - Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces
P261 - Avoid breathing dust/fame/gas/mist/vapors/spray
P281 - Use personal protective equipment as required
P 301+ P310 - Immediately call a poison center or doctor if swallowed. |