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- About Us
Tellurium
Tellurium (Te) is a brittle, silvery-white metalloid with semiconductor properties and excellent resistance to corrosion in many environments. It has a melting point of 449.5 °C and is chemically stable but can oxidize slowly in air. Tellurium is valued for its unique electrical characteristics, making it important in thermoelectric devices and photovoltaics. Its relatively low thermal conductivity and high Seebeck coefficient support applications in energy conversion and sensors. Widely used as an additive in metal alloys to improve machinability and corrosion resistance, Tellurium also plays a key role in advanced electronics and optical storage technologies.
Goodfellow’s tellurium materials, featuring Te Pellets, Ingots, and Sputtering Targets, is a critical resource for advanced semiconductor research, renewable energy applications, and materials science innovation. Known for its essential role in thermoelectric devices, tellurium enables breakthroughs in energy-efficient systems and next-generation photovoltaic technologies. Its unique properties, including exceptional infrared transmission and compatibility with high-performance metal alloys, make it invaluable for infrared optics and advanced metallurgy. By empowering university laboratories and R&D teams, our tellurium offerings drive advancements in electronics, sustainable energy solutions, and cutting-edge material applications. Explore our range to accelerate your innovations.
Properties
Identifiers
Isotopes
Applications
Grades
Synonyms
General Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Atomic Number | 52 |
| Density | 6.24 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 449.5 °C |
| Boiling Point | 988 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 2.9 W/m·K |
| Electrical Resistivity | 42 μΩ·cm |
| Crystal Structure | Hexagonal (trigonal) |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ~10–20 MPa (brittle) |
| Young’s Modulus | ~50 GPa |
| Hardness | Mohs ~2.25 |
| Elongation at Break | Very low (brittle) |
| Poisson’s Ratio | N/A |
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Corrosion Resistance | Good in air, oxidizes slowly |
| Reactivity | Moderate; forms oxides and tellurides |
| Oxidation States | -2, +2, +4, +6 (commonly +4) |
| Surface Oxide | Tellurium dioxide (TeO₂) |
| Identifier | Value |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Te |
| Atomic Number | 52 |
| CAS Number | 13494-80-9 |
| UN Number | UN3284 (compound) |
| EINECS Number | 236-813-4 |
| Isotope | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Te-120 | Stable | ~0.09% natural abundance |
| Te-128 | Stable | Second most abundant (~31.7%) |
| Te-130 | Stable | Most abundant (~34.1%) |
| Te-123 | Radioactive | Used in tracer studies |
Scientific Applications
| Use Case | Description |
|---|---|
| Thermoelectric Devices | Key component in thermoelectric generators and coolers |
| Photovoltaics | Used in CdTe solar cells for high-efficiency energy conversion |
| Optoelectronics | Applications in infrared detectors and optical storage |
| Alloy Research | Investigation of improved alloys with Tellurium additives |
| Nanomaterials | Nanoparticles for catalysis and sensor technologies |
Industrial Applications
| Use Case | Description |
|---|---|
| Metal Alloying | Improves machinability and corrosion resistance of steel and copper alloys |
| Solar Panels | Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) used in thin-film photovoltaic cells |
| Thermoelectric Materials | Used in devices converting heat to electricity |
| Optical Storage | Material in rewritable optical discs like CDs and DVDs |
| Rubber Vulcanization | Additive to improve rubber properties and stability |
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 99.5% (2N5) | Commercial-grade Tellurium suitable for general alloying and metallurgical uses |
| 99.95% (3N5) | High-purity grade ideal for electronic and photovoltaic applications |
| 99.999% (5N) | Ultra-high purity for specialized scientific research and advanced semiconductor manufacturing |
| Synonym |
|---|
| Tellurium Metal |
| Element 52 |
| Te |
| Tellur |
| Tellure |