Zirconium Sulfate

Zirconium Series

Zirconium Sulfate, chemically represented as Zr(SO₄)₂ (predominantly existing in hydrated forms such as the tetrahydrate (Zr(SO₄)₂·4H₂O) or pentahydrate (Zr(SO₄)₂·5H₂O) under ambient conditions), is a key inorganic compound in the zirconium salt family. Distinguished by its stable zirconium(IV) oxidation state (+4) and low aqueous solubility—traits that set it apart from highly soluble zirconium salts like nitrate or acetate—it is ideal for applications requiring controlled release of Zr⁴⁺ ions and long-term stability in aqueous environments. Unlike organic zirconium salts (e.g., zirconium acetate) that rely on organic ligands, Zirconium Sulfate’s sulfate anion (SO₄²⁻) offers strong ionic bonding, ensuring resistance to thermal decomposition and minimal organic residue. With base purities ranging from 98% (technical grade) to 99.999% (ultra-high purity), it is widely used in water treatment, catalyst preparation, ceramic processing, and laboratory research.

Commercially, Zirconium Sulfate is categorized by hydration state, purity, and particle size to meet diverse application needs. Technical Grade (purity 98.0%–99.0%, typically tetrahydrate, particle size 100–200 mesh) prioritizes cost-efficiency for industrial uses like water treatment (phosphate and heavy metal removal), paper sizing agents (improving water resistance), and raw material for zirconium oxide synthesis. Reagent Grade (purity ≥99.5%, controlled hydration ±0.5%, particle size 200–300 mesh) meets laboratory standards for analytical chemistry (e.g., zirconium precipitation studies), small-scale catalyst synthesis (as a Lewis acid precursor), and electroplating baths (for zirconium coating deposition). High-Purity Grade (purity ≥99.99%, low-hydrate form like dihydrate (Zr (SO₄)₂・2H₂O), particle size 200–300 mesh) targets electronics and optoelectronics, including precursors for zirconium-based dielectric films and dopants for ceramic capacitors—where trace impurities (e.g.,<10 ppb heavy metals, <5 ppb silicon, aluminum) must be minimized to avoid performance defects. Ultra-High Purity Grade (purity ≥99.999%, anhydrous Zr (SO₄)₂) is a niche grade for semiconductor and quantum dot applications, with hydration tightly controlled (<0.1% moisture) to ensure compatibility with high-temperature sintering processes. At standard temperature and pressure, Zirconium Sulfate tetrahydrate appears as colorless to white crystalline powder or granular crystals—its light color and low reactivity simplify handling, while hydration state is distinguishable via thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA): tetrahydrate loses 结晶 water at 80–120°C, forming anhydrous Zr (SO₄)₂ above 250°C.

Physically, Zirconium Sulfate exhibits traits tailored to its low solubility and application requirements. The tetrahydrate (Zr (SO₄)₂・4H₂O) has a molecular weight of 355.41 g/mol, a bulk density of ~2.05 g/cm³, and low aqueous solubility: it dissolves in water at ~3.5 g/100 mL (20°C)—far lower than zirconium nitrate (180 g/100 mL) or acetate (35 g/100 mL)—enabling controlled Zr⁴⁺ release in water treatment. The pentahydrate (Zr (SO₄)₂・5H₂O) has a molecular weight of 373.43 g/mol, similar bulk density, and slightly higher solubility (~4.2 g/100 mL at 20°C), suited for applications requiring gradual ion release. Anhydrous Zirconium Sulfate (molecular weight 283.35 g/mol) has a higher bulk density (~3.20 g/cm³) and extremely low solubility (~0.1 g/100 mL at 20°C), making it ideal for high-temperature processes where minimal leaching is required. Thermal stability is excellent: low hydrates decompose at 200–300°C (losing 结晶 water), with complete decomposition to zirconium oxide (ZrO₂) and sulfur trioxide (SO₃) above 600°C. It exhibits mild hygroscopicity (~0.5% moisture absorption at 60% humidity) compared to highly hygroscopic zirconium oxychloride, preventing severe caking but requiring sealed storage to maintain hydration consistency. Notably, its aqueous solutions are strongly acidic (pH 1–2 for 5% solution at 20°C) due to Zr⁴⁺ hydrolysis, which enhances its ability to adsorb anionic contaminants in water treatment.

Chemically, Zirconium Sulfate’s defining feature is the stability of Zr⁴⁺-SO₄²⁻ ionic bonding and its reactivity in acidic environments. As a zirconium(IV) sulfate, it dissociates partially in aqueous solutions into Zr⁴⁺ and SO₄²⁻ ions, with Zr⁴⁺ forming hydrated complexes (e.g., [Zr(H₂O)₈]⁴⁺) that exhibit strong Lewis acid properties. This acidity enables it to catalyze organic reactions (e.g., alcohol dehydration, esterification) with high stability, as the sulfate anion resists degradation under reaction conditions. Unlike zirconium acetate (which decomposes into acetic acid), Zirconium Sulfate’s thermal decomposition produces inorganic byproducts, making it suitable for high-temperature applications like ceramic sintering. When reacted with strong bases (e.g., sodium hydroxide), it forms insoluble zirconium hydroxide (Zr(OH)₄) precipitates (Zr(SO₄)₂ + 4NaOH → Zr(OH)₄↓ + 2Na₂SO₄), a reaction used in analytical chemistry to isolate zirconium from sulfate-rich solutions. In acidic media, it forms stable complexes with organic ligands (e.g., EDTA), enabling selective separation of zirconium from other metal ions.

The industrial production of Zirconium Sulfate primarily uses zirconium-rich raw materials, such as zirconium oxide (ZrO₂) or zirconium oxychloride (ZrOCl₂・8H₂O), via acid dissolution or sulfate metathesis. The process involves four core steps. First, raw material preparation: if using ZrO₂ (purity ≥99.0%), it is crushed to 100–200 mesh and calcined at 700–800°C to enhance reactivity; if using zirconium oxychloride, it is dissolved in deionized water to form a 25%–35% solution. Second, acid reaction/metathesis: calcined ZrO₂ is mixed with concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄, 98% purity) in a reaction vessel at 120–150°C, with a molar ratio of ZrO₂ to H₂SO₄ of 1:2 (reaction: ZrO₂ + 2H₂SO₄ + 2H₂O → Zr (SO₄)₂・4H₂O). For zirconium oxychloride, ammonium sulfate ((NH₄)₂SO₄) is added to induce metathesis, forming Zirconium Sulfate and ammonium chloride (byproduct, removed via evaporation). Third, purification: the resulting solution or suspension is filtered to remove undissolved impurities (e.g., silica, titanium oxides). For high-purity grades, solvent extraction (using tributyl phosphate, TBP) or ion exchange is used to reduce trace metals and chloride ions to ppb levels. Fourth, crystallization and finishing: the purified solution is concentrated under reduced pressure at 60–80°C to a 40%–50% concentration, then cooled to 5–15°C to induce tetrahydrate crystallization. The crystals are filtered and washed with cold dilute sulfuric acid (10% concentration) to remove residual impurities. For anhydrous Zirconium Sulfate, the tetrahydrate is dried at 280–320°C under vacuum to remove all 结晶 water, then crushed and screened to target particle size. High-purity grades are packaged in moisture-proof containers to prevent hydration.

Zirconium Sulfate’s applications are driven by its low solubility and strong Lewis acid properties. In water treatment, Technical Grade tetrahydrate is a highly effective adsorbent for phosphate and heavy metal ions (e.g., Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺): Zr⁴⁺ ions form stable complexes with these contaminants, which settle out or are filtered, preventing eutrophication and heavy metal pollution. In catalysis, Reagent Grade Zirconium Sulfate is a precursor for solid acid catalysts (e.g., Zr(SO₄)₂-supported on alumina) used in hydrocarbon cracking and esterification reactions—its strong acidity ensures high catalytic activity and long service life. In ceramics, High-Purity Grade dihydrate is a sintering aid for zirconia-alumina composites: it lowers the sintering temperature by 150–200°C and improves densification, resulting in ceramics with enhanced mechanical strength and thermal shock resistance. In electronics, Ultra-High Purity Grade anhydrous Zirconium Sulfate is a precursor for zirconium oxide dielectric films: it is dissolved in concentrated sulfuric acid, spin-coated onto silicon wafers, and annealed to form thin films with high dielectric constant and low leakage current. Additionally, it is used in paper industry as a sizing agent, where it reacts with cellulose fibers to form water-resistant complexes, improving printability and shelf life of paper products.

Safety-wise, Zirconium Sulfate has low acute toxicity but requires careful handling due to its acidic nature. Its crystals and solutions are corrosive to skin and eyes: direct contact may cause redness, chemical burns, or irritation—especially at high concentrations. Inhalation of fine powder irritates the respiratory tract, leading to coughing and shortness of breath. It is non-flammable, but thermal decomposition above 600°C releases toxic sulfur trioxide (SO₃), which reacts with moisture to form sulfuric acid mist. To ensure safety, operators must wear acid-resistant gloves (e.g., neoprene), chemical splash goggles, a lab coat, and a dust mask (for powder handling). All operations (e.g., dissolving, mixing) should be done in a fume hood with acid-resistant surfaces. Storage should be in a cool (15–25°C), dry (<60% humidity) area in airtight, acid-resistant containers (e.g., HDPE), separated from strong bases and organic materials to avoid unwanted reactions. In case of skin contact, rinse with copious water for 15 minutes and apply a neutralizing agent (e.g., sodium bicarbonate paste); for eye contact, flush with water and seek emergency medical attention immediately. If inhaled, move to fresh air and administer oxygen if needed. When stored properly, tetrahydrate has a shelf life of 2–3 years, anhydrous Zirconium Sulfate 3–4 years. Expired products show reduced solubility, caking, or increased acidity (detected via pH measurement) and should be tested before use.

WNX employs advanced automated production technology and uses high-quality raw materials to produce high-quality Zirconium Sulfate.

Key Features:

High Purity:Zirconium Sulfate contains no impurities from rare earth elements (such as iron, calcium, sodium), and the impurity content is low.
Good Solubility: Zirconium Sulfate can dissolve rapidly in water and strong acids.
Consistency: The strict batch management in the production of Zirconium Sulfate ensures stable quality for industrial large-scale production.

Chemical industry catalysts and precursors: Zirconium Sulfate can serve as a catalyst or catalyst carrier for various organic synthesis reactions (such as esterification and condensation reactions). It is also a key precursor for preparing other zirconium compounds (such as zirconium oxide), and these materials have important applications in electronic components, sensors, and advanced ceramics.

Leather tanning agents: Zirconium Sulfate is widely used in the leather industry as an efficient white leather tanning agent. It can combine with the collagen in the leather, making the surface of the finished leather smooth, full, and elastic. It is particularly suitable for the tanning and re-tanning of white leather, wrinkled leather, shoe lining leather, and furniture leather.

High-temperature lubricants and anti-wear agents: Zirconium Sulfate is one of the components of high-temperature lubricants. It can maintain lubrication performance under high-temperature conditions and reduce friction and wear. It is also used as an anti-wear agent in specific industrial scenarios.

Protein precipitant and water treatment: In the field of biochemistry, Zirconium Sulfate can be used as a protein precipitant for the separation and purification of amino acids (such as glutamic acid) and proteins. Based on the binding ability of zirconium ions to phosphate groups, it also shows potential applications in water phosphorus removal and environmental remediation.

1.Neutral labels/packaging (jumbo bag of 1.000kg each net),Two bags per pallet.

2.Vacuum-sealed, then wrapped in air cushion bags, and finally packed into iron drums.

Drum: Steel drums (open-top, 45L capacity, dimensions: φ365mm × 460mm / inner diameter × outer height).

Weight per Drum: 50 kg

Palletization: 18 drums per pallet (total 900 kg/pallet).

Transport Class: Maritime transportation / Air transportation

Custom packaging available upon request