Copper Sulfide (CuS) Semiconductors

Topics Covered

Description
Applications
Chemical Properties
Electrical Properties
Thermal, Mechanical and Optical Properties
Safety Information

Description

Copper sulfide belongs to a family of chemical compounds and minerals with the formula CuxSy. It can be classified into three groups, namely monosulfide, disulfide and mixed monosulfide. Copper sulfide occurs naturally in nature as a mineral called covellite. It conducts electricity moderately. Both synthetic materials and minerals contain copper sulfide.

Applications

Copper sulfide finds applications in the following:

  • Solar cells
  • Superionic conductors
  • Photodetectors
  • Electroconductive electrodes
  • Photothermal conversion devices
  • Microwave shielding coating
  • Active absorbents of radio waves
  • Gas sensors
  • Polarizers of infrared radiation

Chemical Properties

The chemical properties of copper sulfide are provided in the table below:

Chemical Properties
Chemical Formula CuS
Molecular Weight 95.61
CAS No. 1317-40-4
Group Copper 11
Sulfur 16
Crystal Structure Hexagonal
Lattice Constant 3.961 Å

Electrical Properties

The electrical properties of copper sulfide are provided in the table below:

Electrical Properties
Band Gap 1.21 eV
Hole Mobility 5.5 - 9 cm2/Vs

Mechanical and Optical Properties

The mechanical and optical properties of copper sulfide are provided in the tables below:

Mechanical Properties
Density 4.6 g/cm3
Melting Point 103°C
Boiling Point 220°C
Optical Properties
Refractive Index 1.45

Safety Information

Safety Information
GHS Hazard Statements H302: Harmful if swallowed.
H315: Irritating to skin.
H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction.
H318: Causes serious eye damage.
H334: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled.
H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects.
H350: May cause cancer by inhalation.
H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child.
H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure by inhalation.
H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Safety Precautions P201: Obtain special instructions before use.
P202: Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood.
P260: Do not breathe dust or fume.
P264: Wash exposed skin thoroughly after handling.
P270: Do no eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
P272: Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P284: In case of inadequate ventilation, wear respiratory protection.
P273: Avoid release to the environment

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