Te-Tellurium

Tellurium (Te) is a chemical element with the atomic number 52, positioned in group 16 of the periodic table, often associated with metalloids due to its properties that lie between metals and non-metals.

Physical Characteristics:

• Appearance: Tellurium has a silvery-white, metallic luster when freshly cut, but it tarnishes to a dull gray when exposed to air.
• Atomic Weight: Approximately 127.60 atomic mass units.
• Melting Point: About 449.5°C (841.1°F).
• Boiling Point: Roughly 988°C (1810.4°F).
• State at Room Temperature: Solid.

Application:

• Thermoelectric Devices: One of the primary uses of tellurium is in the manufacturing of thermoelectric devices, which convert temperature differences into electrical energy or vice versa. Compounds like bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) are extensively used for thermoelectric generators and cooling systems.
• Solar Cells: Tellurium is a key component in the production of cadmium telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic cells, one of the leading materials used in thin-film solar cell technology, offering an efficient and cost-effective way to convert solar energy into electricity.
• Alloying Agent: It is used as an alloying agent to improve the machinability of metals such as copper and stainless steel, imparting enhanced workability and strength.
• Semiconductors and Electronics: Due to its unique electrical properties, especially its photoconductivity, tellurium is used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices, including diodes and infrared detectors.

Compounds:

• Bismuth Telluride (Bi2Te3): This compound is widely used in thermoelectric devices for power generation or cooling applications, exploiting its exceptional thermoelectric efficiency near room temperature.
• Cadmium Telluride (CdTe): A vital compound for solar energy technology, CdTe is used in photovoltaic cells where it offers significant advantages in terms of absorption efficiency and production costs.
• Tellurium Dioxide (TeO2): Used in the production of glass with high refractive indices and in optical waveguides and fiber optic cables. It also serves as a conditional oxide for tellurium in various chemical syntheses.
• Tellurium Tetrachloride (TeCl4) and Tellurium Hexafluoride (TeF6): These compounds are used in less common industrial applications but are important for research in inorganic chemistry and materials science.

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