Gallium(III) telluride[1]
Names
Other names
gallium telluride, gallium sesquitelluride, digallium (III) trirelluride
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.031.528 Edit this at Wikidata
  • InChI=1S/2Ga.3Te
    Key: UUGMWEJWBHNLOH-UHFFFAOYSA-N
  • [Ga]=[Te].[Ga]=[Te].[Te]
Properties
Ga2Te3
Molar mass 522.25 g/mol
Appearance cubic crystals
Density 5.57 g/cm3
Melting point 790 °C (1,450 °F; 1,060 K)
Related compounds
Other anions
 gallium(III) oxide, gallium(III) sulfide, gallium(III) selenide, gallium triiodide
Other cations
 aluminium(III) telluride, indium(III) telluride
Related compounds
 gallium(II) telluride
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
checkY verify (what is checkY☒N ?)

Gallium(III) telluride (Ga2Te3) is a chemical compound classified as a metal telluride. At room temperature gallium(III) telluride is an odorless, black, brittle crystalline solid and is a semiconductor of the III-VI type that crystallizes in a lattice structure.[2]

Synthesis

Gallium(III) telluride is most commonly synthesized through the solid-state reaction of trimethylgallium and a telluride oxide complex under high temperatures. It is also possible to synthesize the compound by reacting elemental gallium and elemental tellurium at high temperatures.[3]

Properties

Physical properties

At room temperature, gallium(III) telluride is a black, odorless, brittle crystal. The compound crystallizes in a four-coordinate tetrahedral structure.[4] The crystal is not immediately reactive or flammable, though serious protective ware should be worn while handling this compound (see toxicity). Gallium(III) telluride has a melting point of 788 °C to 792 °C and is not soluble in water.[5]

Chemical properties

Gallium(III) telluride is stable at room temperature. The compound is relatively unreactive, and there are no known materials with which it is incompatible. Gallium(III) telluride will over time emit telluride fumes and it naturally decomposes. There is no risk of hazardous polymerization.

Toxicity

The toxicological properties of gallium(III) telluride have not been thoroughly investigated. However elemental tellurium has relatively low toxicity. It is converted in the body to dimethyl telluride which imparts a garlic-like odor to the breath and sweat. Heavy exposures may, in addition, result in headache, drowsiness, metallic taste, loss of appetite, nausea, tremors, convulsions, and respiratory arrest.[5] Proper precautions should be taken when handling this compound, including lab goggles and safety gloves. This compound should be handled in a well ventilated area.[5]

Uses

Industrial

Gallium(III) telluride is a p-type semiconductor of the III-VI type.[2] Currently its use in industry is relatively limited but further application are being explored, especially as its use in a thin film and for applications in laser diodes and solar cells.[citation needed]

Biomedical

The medical uses of gallium(III) telluride are still being investigated.[2]

Other Uses

Gallium(III) telluride has been used in the production of sputtering targets, used for semiconductor, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and physical vapor deposition (PVD) display and optical applications.[6] High-purity gallium(III) telluride is commercially available in many crystalline and polycrystalline forms.[7]

References

  1. ^ Lide, David R. (1998), Handbook of Chemistry and Physics (87 ed.), Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press, pp. 4–58, ISBN 0-8493-0594-2
  2. ^ a b c American Elements: Gallium(III) Telluride Supplier & Tech Info
  3. ^ The Chemistry of Gallium, N.N. Greenwood, Department of Chemistry, Kings College, Newcastle upon Tyne, England; 1963
  4. ^ "WebElements Periodic Table of the Elements | Gallium | digallium tritelluride". Archived from the original on 2011-07-28. Retrieved 2010-05-02.
  5. ^ a b c "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2017-02-02. Retrieved 2010-05-02.((cite web)): CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  6. ^ "American Elements: Gallium(III) Telluride Sputtering Target Supplier & Tech Info". American Elements.
  7. ^ "American Elements: Gallium(III) Telluride (By Crystallization) Supplier & Tech Info". American Elements.
Categories