Aluminium telluride is an inorganic chemical compound of aluminium and tellurium with the chemical formula Al2Te3. It’s typically a semiconductor and has applications in electronics and optoelectronics. It has interesting electrical conductivity characteristics, making it useful in various electronic applications. It crystallizes in a specific structure that can influence its electronic properties.
While not widely used, it has potential applications in semiconductors, thermoelectric materials, and in research contexts related to materials science. It can withstand moderate temperatures, which is beneficial for certain applications. It can be synthesized through various chemical methods, including the direct reaction of aluminum and tellurium at elevated temperatures.
Preparation
Aluminium telluride can be obtained by direct combination of aluminium metal with elemental tellurium at 1,000 °C (1,270 K; 1,830 °F).
2 Al + 3 Te → Al2Te3
Properties
Aluminium telluride is a very air-sensitive dark grey to black solid. It has a band gap of 2.4 eV. The compound decomposes in humid air.
- Chemical formula: Al2Te3
- Molar mass: 436.76 g/mol
- Appearance: dark grey to black solid
- Density: 4.5 g/cm3
- Melting point: 895 °C (1,643 °F; 1,168 K)
- Solubility in water: decomposes
Occurrences
- Natural Occurrence: It does not typically occur naturally in significant quantities. Instead, it is usually synthesized in laboratories.
- Synthesis: It can be produced through various methods, including the direct reaction of aluminum with tellurium or through chemical vapor deposition processes.
Applications
- Electronics: Used in the production of transistors and other semiconductor devices.
- Optoelectronics: Potential applications in photodetectors and light-emitting devices due to its semiconductor properties.
- Solar Cells: Research is ongoing into its use in photovoltaic technologies.
Safety and Handling
Aluminium telluride should be handled with care due to the toxicity of tellurium and its compounds. Proper safety protocols should be followed, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with this material.
