A simple synthesis of the refractory ceramic sulfide CeS by electron beam irradiation

A new, relatively fast and simple synthesis of the refractory sulfide CeS using electron beam irradiation has been developed. Differently from the most common procedures involving highly reactive and/or toxic precursors such as cerium hydride and carbon disulfide, the approach here presented is based on the electron beam irradiation of pellets composed of a mixture of cerium sesquisulfide, cerium dioxide and graphite powders, i.e., nontoxic and nonreactive materials in ambient conditions that do not need any special caution during their use. CeS with a purity ≥98 wt% has been obtained, being Ce 2 O 2 S the impurity and whose amount can be lowered by annealing on a graphite surface.