Zinc Crystal

Zinc is often used as alloy materials.  The layer of basic carbonate of Zn that works as a protective layer is formed in damp air. When heated in air or oxygen, greenish white light is emitted during the formation of oxide. A single crystal of ZnO belongs to the hexagonal system with the lattice constants of a=0.3243 and c=0.5195 nm. Large single crystals of ZnO are grown by vapor phase method using transport agents.

Crystal System

The space lattice of zinc belongs to the hexagonal system, and its closed-packed hexagonal lattice has lattice constants of a=0.2659 nm and c=0.4937 nm (25℃).

Production

Oxides are obtained by burning the zinc blend ZnS. Zn is obtained by sintering the oxides further in a clay retort mixed with carbon. The purity of conventional industry grade zinc is on the order of 98%–99.99%. A single crystal is grown by using the horizontal Stockbarger method. To deposit vacuum-evaporated films, source material of Zn is directly heated in a conical-type basket heater of W, Ta, Mo, or Nb, externally heated in a aluminum or iron crucible using a nichrome heater, or direct joule heated using a carbon crucible. The rate of evaporation is 1.9×10^-4g/cm²s at the evaporation temperature (sublimation) of 343℃.

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