Preparation and characterization of GeS₂

Synthesis of GeS₂ via a sol-gel process using germanium ethoxide and hydrogen sulfide in toluene resulted in a gel aggregate with an apparent Ge/S ratio 1:1.8. Special precautions were necessary to protect the reaction mixture from water contamination which produced GeO₂. Results indicated that the main source of water was the hydrogen sulfide gas. Heat treatment of the produced GeS_x gel yielded a product with Ge/S ratio 1:2.3. The sol-gel prepared materials and their heat-treated products were characterized by various methods.