Variability of Zinc Oxide Dissolution Rates

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is of widespread use for numerous applications, including many in the cosmetic industry. Thus, ZnO particles are quite likely to enter the environment. ZnO may be harmful because of the release of cytotoxic Zn2+ ions during dissolution reactions. Here, we analyze the dissolution kinetics of the polar zinc-terminated (000–1) and nonpolar (10–10) crystal surfaces in ultrapure water to examine the impact of the crystal defects on...