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Phosphogypsum Processing into Blue Fluorescent Pigments Under Ultraviolet Excitation
Marina A Egorova1, Darya V Yakhonova1, Vera A Baranova1
1Department of Ecology and Industrial Safety, Faculty of Technology, Platov South-Russian State Polytechnic University (NPI), Novocherkassk 346428, Russia.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 15, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a method to create blue fluorescent ultraviolet pigments from phosphogypsum waste. This sustainable process recycles industrial byproducts into valuable materials, contributing to circular economy goals.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Waste Management
Background:
- Phosphogypsum is a significant industrial byproduct requiring sustainable disposal solutions.
- Developing value-added products from waste streams aligns with circular economy principles and sustainable development goals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of producing blue fluorescent ultraviolet pigments from phosphogypsum.
- To characterize the synthesized pigments and understand their luminescent properties.
- To establish optimal conditions for pigment synthesis and evaluate their potential for waste valorization.
Main Methods:
- Thermal treatment of phosphogypsum with a reducing agent (potato starch) under isolated conditions.
- Material characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
- Photoluminescence spectroscopy to determine emission spectra and identify optimal synthesis parameters.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of calcium sulfide (CaS) phase from calcium sulfate reduction.
- Optimized conditions (0.6 mol.% dopant, 1100 °C for 60 min) yielded high-quality pigments.
- Synthesized CaS:Cu materials exhibit blue fluorescence with an emission maximum at 480-490 nm.
Conclusions:
- Phosphogypsum can be effectively transformed into high-value blue fluorescent ultraviolet pigments.
- The developed method offers a sustainable route for recycling chemical industry waste.
- This approach supports sustainable development goals by promoting resource efficiency and waste reduction.
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