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

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.