Core–shell structured Ce2S3@ZnO and its potential as a pigment

Abstract

The potential use of cerium selenide (Ce₂S₃) as a non-toxic pigment has long been plagued by its release of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). Here, it is shown that a uniform nanoshell of zinc oxide (ZnO) can effectively eliminate the released H₂S and also improve the thermal stability of Ce₂S₃. Through a series of investigations, a 40 nm thick ZnO surface coating layer was found to provide full protection for the Ce₂S₃ core, and this thickness is best for eliminating the release of H₂S. Such a core–shell configuration has great potential for real applications of Ce₂S₃ as an odorless and non-toxic inorganic pigment.