Tellurium is a rare, silvery-white metal that has a number of important uses in industry.
Sources of Tellurium: Tellurium is typically obtained as a byproduct of the refining of copper, lead, and other metals. The largest producers of tellurium are China, Japan, and the United States.
Uses of Tellurium:
Solar panels: Tellurium is used in the production of photovoltaic cells for solar panels, where it helps to improve the efficiency of the cells.
Alloys: Tellurium is used in alloys to improve their strength, workability, and castability.
Rubber production: Tellurium is used in the production of certain types of rubber, where it helps to improve the elasticity of the rubber.
Electronic devices: Tellurium is used in the production of certain electronic devices, including transistors, diodes, and infrared detectors.
Properties of Tellurium:
Density: Tellurium has a density of 6.24 g/cm3.
Melting point: The melting point of tellurium is 449.51°C.
Chemical stability: Tellurium is highly resistant to corrosion and is commonly used in applications where its stability is important.
Conductivity: Tellurium is a good conductor of electricity and is often used in electronic devices for this reason.
Extraction of Tellurium: Tellurium is extracted from its ores through a series of chemical processes, including roasting and leaching. The tellurium is then purified through a series of chemical processes to remove impurities.