Main-Product

Zinc oxide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula ZnO, appearing as a white powder that is insoluble in water. It is one of the most important zinc compounds and can be prepared in high purity with various crystal shapes and sizes.

Chemical and Physical Properties

Zinc oxide exhibits amphoteric behavior, meaning it dissolves in both acids and alkalis. The compound has an extremely high melting point of approximately 1,975°C. Crystalline zinc oxide is thermochromic, changing from white to yellow when heated in air and reverting to white upon cooling. It exists primarily in two crystalline forms: hexagonal wurtzite (most stable under ambient conditions) and cubic zincblende structures. In both forms, the zinc and oxygen atoms are arranged in tetrahedral coordination.

Natural Occurrence and Production

Although zinc oxide occurs naturally as the rare mineral zincite—which typically contains manganese and other impurities that give it a yellow to red color—most commercial zinc oxide is produced synthetically. The primary production method involves subjecting metallic zinc to very high temperatures, releasing zinc vapors that react with atmospheric oxygen to form zinc oxide, a process known as the "French process".

Particle Morphologies

Zinc oxide nanoparticles can form various morphological types including spherical agglomerates, hexagonal star-shaped structures, rod-like particles, nanorings, and disk-shaped crystals. These different morphologies result from synthesis conditions and the presence of crystal growth modifiers such as polymers, which can direct the formation of specific shapes by controlling crystal growth along different crystallographic planes. Commercial nano zinc oxide products from different manufacturers (such as Umicore, Grillo, BASF, and Sakai Chemicals) exhibit varying particle sizes ranging from approximately 30-150 nm and different morphological characteristics.​

Applications

Zinc oxide serves as an additive in numerous materials and products including cosmetics, food supplements, rubbers, plastics, ceramics, glass, cement, paints, sunscreens, ointments, batteries, and semiconductors. Its antibacterial and deodorant properties make it valuable in medical applications such as diaper rash creams, anti-dandruff shampoos, and dental cement. The compound also functions as a white pigment, UV light absorber, and catalyst in various industrial processes.

References

1. ScienceDirect. Zinc Oxide (accessed Jan 14, 2026)
2. Britannica. Zinc Oxide (accessed Jan 14, 2026)
3. Wikipedia. Zinc Oxide (accessed Jan 14, 2026)
4. American Chemicas Society (ACS). Molecule of the Week Archive - Zinc Oxide (Sep 23, 2014) 
5. The Nonest Company. What is Zinc Oxide? (Apr 10, 2016)
6. European Commission, SCCS. What is zinc oxide used for? (2012)