Antimony (III) Sulfide 99,9%

Antimony(III) Sulfide

Other Names: Antimony Trisulfide, Antimonous Sulfide, Antimony Sulphide, Diantimony Trisulfide, Stibnite, Antimonite
Chemical Formula: Sb₂S₃
Molar Mass: 339.72 g/mol
CAS Number: 1345-04-6
EC Number: 215-713-4
Appearance: Dark gray to black crystalline solid or powder; synthetic amorphous forms may exhibit orange-red coloration
Odor: Odorless
SMILES: S=[Sb]S[Sb]=S

Antimony(III) sulfide is an inorganic chemical compound consisting of antimony and sulfur in a stoichiometric ratio of 2:3. It belongs to the group of metal chalcogenides and occurs naturally as the mineral stibnite. The compound is characterized by its semiconducting properties, high optical absorption coefficient, relatively high density and distinctive crystalline structure. These characteristics make it an important material in inorganic chemistry, semiconductor research, optoelectronics and advanced materials science.

Crystalline antimony(III) sulfide adopts an orthorhombic crystal structure composed of quasi-one-dimensional structural units extending along a preferred crystallographic direction. This arrangement produces anisotropic physical properties, meaning that electronic transport, optical behavior and other characteristics may depend on crystal orientation. The influence of crystal structure and orientation is particularly important in the development of thin-film electronic and photovoltaic devices.

Antimony(III) sulfide can occur in crystalline and amorphous forms. Naturally occurring stibnite is typically dark gray to black and exhibits a metallic luster, while certain synthetically prepared amorphous or finely divided forms may appear orange-red. Differences in structure, particle size and preparation conditions influence its optical, electrical and surface properties.

The compound is extensively investigated as a semiconductor absorber material because of its suitable electronic band gap and strong absorption of visible light. Experimental and theoretical studies have demonstrated that antimony(III) sulfide can be prepared as thin films, nanostructures and crystalline particles using different physical and chemical synthesis methods. These materials are studied for their potential use in photovoltaic systems, photodetectors and other optoelectronic technologies.

Chemical and physical properties

Antimony(III) sulfide is generally a dark gray to black solid in its crystalline form. Its appearance depends on crystallinity, particle size and manufacturing conditions. The density of crystalline Sb₂S₃ is approximately 4.6–4.64 g/cm³ at room temperature.

Published reference data report a melting point of approximately 550 °C. The thermal behavior of the compound depends on atmospheric conditions, sample purity and heating parameters. At elevated temperatures, oxidation or other chemical transformations may occur in reactive environments.

Antimony(III) sulfide is practically insoluble in water and exhibits limited solubility in many common organic solvents. Its dissolution behavior is influenced by solution composition, acidity and the presence of complexing agents. The compound can react with strongly oxidizing chemical environments and may undergo dissolution or transformation in suitable sulfur-containing alkaline systems.

One of the most important characteristics of antimony(III) sulfide is its semiconducting behavior. Published studies report an optical band gap generally in the range of approximately 1.7–1.9 eV for crystalline Sb₂S₃, depending on the preparation method, crystallinity and measurement technique. This band gap enables the absorption of a substantial portion of visible light.

Antimony(III) sulfide also exhibits a high optical absorption coefficient, commonly reaching values of approximately 10⁴–10⁵ cm⁻¹ in relevant spectral regions. This property makes thin layers of the material capable of absorbing significant amounts of incident light, which is particularly advantageous for photovoltaic and photodetection applications.

Crystalline Sb₂S₃ possesses an orthorhombic structure belonging to the Pnma space group. Its structural arrangement influences charge-carrier transport and contributes to anisotropic electrical properties. Crystal orientation, grain boundaries and structural defects can significantly affect the performance of semiconductor devices based on this material.

Antimony(III) sulfide exhibits chemical stability under suitable storage conditions. However, exposure to strong oxidizing agents or elevated temperatures in air may lead to the formation of antimony oxides and sulfur-containing gaseous products. Appropriate precautions are therefore required during high-temperature processing.

Applications

Antimony(III) sulfide is extensively investigated as a semiconductor absorber in thin-film photovoltaic devices. Its suitable band gap, high optical absorption coefficient and relatively simple chemical composition make it a promising material for solar-cell research. Crystalline Sb₂S₃ films can be produced using chemical bath deposition, thermal evaporation, solution processing and other thin-film fabrication methods. Research focuses on improving crystal orientation, reducing structural defects and optimizing interfaces between the semiconductor and adjacent layers.

In optoelectronics, antimony(III) sulfide is studied for the fabrication of photodetectors and light-sensitive electronic components. Its ability to absorb visible radiation and generate mobile charge carriers provides opportunities for developing devices with photoresponsive electrical characteristics. The performance of such systems depends on material crystallinity, film thickness, contact interfaces and charge-carrier recombination processes.

The compound is also investigated in semiconductor thin-film technology and nanomaterials research. Antimony(III) sulfide nanorods, nanowires, nanoparticles and other nanostructured forms can be prepared using controlled chemical and physical methods. These structures are examined for their optical absorption, electrical conductivity, surface properties and potential integration into functional electronic systems.

In electrochemical materials research, Sb₂S₃ is studied as an active material for experimental rechargeable battery electrodes. Its electrochemical behavior involves conversion and alloying reactions during ion insertion and extraction. Research examines methods of improving cycling stability, electrical conductivity and structural integrity through nanostructuring and composite formation.

Antimony(III) sulfide is also used as a starting material in the preparation and investigation of other antimony-containing compounds and chalcogenide materials. Its controlled chemical transformation provides opportunities to study solid-state reactions, phase formation and the relationship between crystal structure and functional properties.

In crystallography and fundamental materials science, antimony(III) sulfide serves as a model compound for investigating anisotropic semiconductors, charge transport, optical absorption and crystallization mechanisms. Research involving its crystalline and amorphous forms contributes to understanding how structural organization influences the physical properties of inorganic chalcogenides.

Safety and handling

Antimony(III) sulfide should be handled with appropriate chemical safety precautions. Exposure to dust may cause irritation, and antimony-containing compounds can present health risks depending on exposure conditions, particle characteristics and duration of contact. Heating in air or contact with incompatible substances may produce hazardous decomposition or oxidation products.

Work with the compound should be performed using appropriate personal protective equipment and suitable ventilation. Dust generation, inhalation and unnecessary environmental release should be avoided. Storage, handling and disposal requirements should follow the current safety data sheet for the specific product grade.

Scientific references

1. Chen, J. et al. (2024). Recent Advances and Prospects of Solution-Processed Efficient Sb₂S₃ Solar Cells. Advanced Functional Materials, 34(18), 2313676. Review of the fundamental properties, synthesis methods, structural characteristics and photovoltaic applications of antimony sulfide.
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202313676

2. Recent Advances and New Research Trends in Sb₂S₃ Thin Film Based Solar Cells. (2023). Journal of Science: Advanced Materials and Devices, 8(1), 100533. Scientific review of crystal structure, morphology, optical properties and semiconductor applications.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsamd.2023.100533

3. Myagmarsereejid, P., Ingram, M., Batmunkh, M., Zhong, Y. L. (2021). Doping Strategies in Sb₂S₃ Thin Films for Solar Cells. Small, 17(39), 2100241. Review of electronic properties, defect engineering and semiconductor performance.
https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202100241

4. Dong, R. et al. (2021). Boosting V_OC of Antimony Chalcogenide Solar Cells: A Review on Interfaces and Defects. Nano Select. Scientific discussion of structural defects, electrical characteristics and charge-carrier transport in antimony chalcogenides.
https://doi.org/10.1002/nano.202000288

5. De Bray-Sánchez, F. et al. (2021). Systematic Variation of Material Characteristics with Chemical Composition in Antimony Sulfide Selenide Thin Films and Its Relevance to Solar Cell Performance. physica status solidi (a). Experimental analysis of structure, band gap and optical and electrical characteristics.
https://doi.org/10.1002/pssa.202000822

6. Kumar, et al. (2026). High-Efficiency Semitransparent Solar Cells Based on Magnetron Sputtered Sb₂S₃ Thin Films. Advanced Science, 13(2), e12103. Experimental study of antimony sulfide thin films and their optoelectronic properties.
https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202512103

SAFETY: 

Signal word danger 

Pictograms GHS02, GHS07, GHS09 

Hazard statements H228 Flammable solid. H302+H332 Harmful if swallowed or if inhaled. H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

Precautionary statements P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking. P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P273 Avoid release to the environment. P312 Call a POISON CENTRE/doctor if you feel unwell. P370+P378 In case of fire: Use sand, carbon dioxide or powder extinguisher to extinguish. P391 Collect spillage. P501 Dispose of contents/container to industrial combustion plant.