Overview
Tellurium (Te) is a brittle, silvery-white metalloid with semiconducting properties, discovered in 1782 by Franz-Joseph Müller von Reichenstein. It ranks among the rarest stable solid elements in Earth's crust, typically extracted as a byproduct of copper refining. Though toxic in elemental form, tellurium plays critical roles in advanced technologies. Its ability to convert heat directly into electricity makes it valuable for thermoelectric devices, while cadmium telluride (CdTe) dominates thin-film solar panel production.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Tellurium exhibits a hexagonal crystalline structure similar to selenium. As a semiconductor, its conductivity increases slightly with light exposure (photoconductivity). The element burns in air with a blue-green flame, forming tellurium dioxide (TeO₂). Notably, tellurium compounds impart a persistent garlic-like odor to breath, even at minute exposures. This metalloid forms stable alloys with metals like lead (improving corrosion resistance) and bismuth (for thermoelectric applications). Its toxicity derives from interference with sulfur metabolism in biological systems.
Main Applications
Approximately 40% of tellurium production supplies CdTe photovoltaic panels, where its optimal bandgap enables efficient sunlight absorption. Another 30% enhances machining properties in free-cutting steels (e.g., lead-tellurium alloys for screw machine parts). The thermoelectric industry utilizes bismuth telluride (Bi₂Te₃) in Peltier coolers for precise temperature control. Emerging applications include phase-change memory chips and vulcanizing agents for rubber. Tellurium dioxide serves as an optical glass additive for fiber optics and infrared devices.
Safety and Storage
Elemental tellurium requires handling with NIOSH-approved particulate respirators due to risks of pulmonary irritation. Chronic exposure may cause fatigue, weight loss, and the characteristic 'tellurium breath.' OSHA's permissible exposure limit is 0.1 mg/m³ as an 8-hour TWA. Store tellurium powder in sealed containers under argon or nitrogen to prevent oxidation. Bulk metal should be kept in dry, well-ventilated areas separated from acids and oxidizers. Contaminated PPE requires special disposal as hazardous waste.
B2B Procurement Guide
Industrial buyers typically source tellurium as 99.99% (4N) pure ingots, powder, or pre-alloyed compounds. Major suppliers include copper refineries in the United States, Japan, and Canada. Prices fluctuate with solar industry demand. For electronics applications, specify oxygen and metallic impurity levels. Thermoelectric manufacturers often purchase bismuth telluride ingots directly to minimize processing costs. Consider forward contracts due to tellurium's price volatility linked to copper production cycles.
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