Preparation and application of rare earth sulfides

Rare earth sulfides are a new type of functional materials with complex crystal structures, which show unique optical, electrical and magnetic properties. They are widely used in many fields, such as non-toxic pigments and energy storage, and have perspective application in photocatalytic, thermoelectric power generation, permanent magnet and other fields. Based on our group’s work in these fields, this review systematically summarizes the research progress and milestone on synthetic methodology, crystal structure modification and composite construction of rare earth sulfide in recent years. The performance enhancement strategies of rare earth sulfide in inorganic pigment, energy storage and photocatalysis are comprehensively sorted out. The structure-activity relationship of rare-earth sulfide is discussed and their positive prospects are proposed. Finally, this review summarizes the existing problems in current research and puts forward the prospects for its research direction.