Selenium Metal, Semiconductor Metal, 7782-49-2

Selenium Metal, Semiconductor Metal, 7782-49-2

Selenium Metal, represented by the symbol "Se" on the periodic table, is a chemical element with semi-metallic properties. It exhibits both metallic and non-metallic characteristics and is used in various fields such as electronics, glass manufacturing, and health sectors. Below is detailed information about selenium metal:

1. Technical Information:

• CAS No: 7782-49-2

• Chemical Formula: Se

• Atomic Number: 34

• Atomic Weight: 78.96 g/mol

• Density: 4.81 g/cm³ (gray selenium)

• Melting Point: 221°C

• Boiling Point: 685°C

• Hardness: 2.0 on the Mohs scale (a relatively soft element).

2. Physical and Chemical Properties:

Physical Properties:

• Color: Gray-black solid (most stable form).

• Allotropes: Selenium exists in different allotropic forms:

  • Gray Selenium: The most stable form, exhibiting metallic properties.

  • Red Selenium: Exhibits non-metallic properties.

  • Black Selenium: Has a glass-like structure.

• Conductivity: Semiconductor properties. Its electrical conductivity increases under light (photoelectric effect).

Chemical Properties:

• Reactivity: Reacts with oxygen, halogens, and metals.

• Interaction with Acids and Bases: Does not react with dilute acids but reacts with strong acids like nitric acid and sulfuric acid.

• Toxicity: Selenium and its compounds are toxic in high doses.

3. Applications:

Selenium metal is used in various industrial and commercial applications. Key uses include:

a. Electronics and Semiconductor Industry:

• Used in photocopiers and photoelectric cells.

• Used as a semiconductor material in solar panels.

b. Glass Industry:

• Used as a decolorizing and coloring agent in glass production.

• Increases the glass's resistance to UV rays.

c. Health and Nutrition:

• Selenium is a trace element essential for the human body and has antioxidant properties.

• Selenium supplements are used to boost the immune system.

d. Chemical Industry:

• Selenium compounds are used as catalysts and in pigment production.

• Enhances the durability of rubber in vulcanization processes.

e. Agriculture:

• Added to animal feed to address selenium deficiency.

4. Other Names:

• English: Selenium Metal

• Chemical Name: Selenium (Se)

• Industrial Term: Metallic Selenium

5. Common Names:

• Selenium: Commonly referred to as "selenium" in everyday language.

• Semiconductor Metal: Often called "semiconductor metal" due to its use in the electronics industry.

6. Why Choose Selenium Metal?

Selenium metal is preferred in many industrial applications due to the following properties:

a. Semiconductor Properties:

• Its photoelectric effect makes it ideal for electronics and solar energy applications.

b. Role in the Glass Industry:

• Enhances the color and UV resistance of glass.

c. Health Benefits:

• Its antioxidant properties are important for human health.

d. Chemical Reactivity:

• Used as a catalyst in many chemical reactions.