Bismuth Telluride, Dibismuth Tritelluride, 1304-82-1

Bismuth Telluride, Dibismuth Tritelluride, 1304-82-1

BISMUTH TELLURIDE (BI₂TE₃)
BISMUTH TELLURIDE / DIBISMUTH TRITELLURIDE / BISMUTH(III) TELLURIDE
1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

2. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE
2.1. Molecular Structure
Bismuth telluride is an intermetallic compound of bismuth and tellurium. It has a rhombohedral crystal structure (tetradymite type, R3̄m space group). It is a narrow bandgap semiconductor (band gap ~0.15 eV). Its unique layered crystal structure provides an exceptionally high thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) between 200 K and 400 K.

Structural Features:

                    BISMUTH TELLURIDE [Bi₂Te₃]
                          |
                Bi - Te Covalent/Ionic Bonds
                          |
        +----------------+----------------+
        |                |                |
    Rhombohedral       Layered         Narrow Bandgap
    Crystal Structure  Structure        (~0.15 eV)

2.2. Structural Properties

3. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

4. COMMERCIAL FORMS AND TYPES

4.1. Thermoelectric Material Types

4.2. Commercial Forms

5. FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND MECHANISM
5.1. Peltier Effect (Solid-State Cooling)
When direct current (DC) is passed through a junction of n-type and p-type Bi₂Te₃, one side absorbs heat and cools while the other side releases heat and warms. A thermoelectric module consisting of many such pairs acts as a compact, vibration-free, solid-state heat pump.

5.2. Seebeck Effect (Power Generation)
When a temperature difference is maintained across a Bi₂Te₃ couple, it generates a DC voltage. Modules can convert waste heat from industrial processes, automotive exhaust, or geothermal sources into usable electrical power.

5.3. Doping Engineering for Performance
The thermoelectric performance of the material is optimized through precisely controlled doping. n-type legs are typically doped with selenium (Bi₂Te₃₋ᵧSeᵧ) while p-type legs are doped with antimony ((Bi₁₋ₓSbₓ)₂Te₃). This maximizes the Seebeck coefficient while minimizing thermal conductivity, achieving the highest possible ZT value.

6. APPLICATION AREAS
6.1. Thermoelectric Cooling (Peltier)

6.2. Thermoelectric Power Generation (Seebeck)

6.3. Scientific and Niche Applications

6.4. Sectoral Suitability Table

7. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

7.1. Chemical Reactions

• Oxidation (at High Temperature):
  2Bi₂Te₃ + 9O₂ → 2Bi₂O₃ + 6TeO₂

• Reaction with Acids:
  Bi₂Te₃ + 6HNO₃ → 2Bi(NO₃)₃ + 3H₂TeO₃ + 3NO₂↑

8. ALTERNATIVE / SUBSTITUTE PRODUCTS

9. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

9.1. GHS Classification

Signal Word: WARNING

Hazard Pictograms: GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)

10. PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

11. FIRST AID MEASURES

12. STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

13. PACKAGING OPTIONS

14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

15. REGULATORY STATUS

16. OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

17. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE

18. CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

• Thermoelectric Material: Bismuth telluride is the reference and most widely used thermoelectric material for near-room-temperature applications. It has the highest ZT (~1.0) among commercial materials.

• Temperature Limitation: Thermoelectric performance peaks below 200°C and the operating limit is approximately 250°C. For high-temperature applications, PbTe or SiGe are used.

• Doping Engineering: n-type legs are doped with Se, p-type legs with Sb to optimize performance.

• Tellurium Breath: Tellurium compounds may cause temporary garlic-like body odor ("tellurium breath") upon exposure.

• Powder Hazard: Fine powder form may cause respiratory tract irritation. Dust control measures must be taken.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Storage:

  • Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.

  • Use moisture-proof, tightly closed containers.

  • Keep away from oxidizing acids and oxidizing agents.

  • Store at room temperature (15-25°C).

• Handling:

  • Use in well-ventilated areas with local exhaust ventilation or in a glovebox.

  • Use a dust mask (N95/FFP2), protective goggles, and gloves.

  • Avoid dust formation and inhalation.

  • Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

  • For dissolution in acids, add oxide to acid slowly with cooling and stirring.

  • Use vacuum or inert atmosphere (Ar, N₂) for thermoelectric module production.

• Waste Management:

  • Dispose of in accordance with local regulations.

  • Do not discharge into water sources.

  • For large quantities, bismuth and tellurium recovery should be considered.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER
This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and has been prepared based on available technical data. The user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific applications and for complying with all local, national, and international regulations. For complete safety, storage, handling, transport, disposal, and regulatory compliance information, the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier must be consulted. This document does not substitute professional advice. Bismuth telluride is a critical material for thermoelectric applications, widely used in solid-state cooling and energy harvesting technologies; caution should be taken against inhalation of powder form.