Tellurium (Te) is a rare, brittle, mildly toxic, silver-white metalloid with the atomic number 52.
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What is Tellurium?
Tellurium was first discovered in 1782 in Transylvania, now part of Romania, when Franz-Joseph Müller von Reichenstein noticed a substance in gold ore that didn’t match any known element. It was later named “tellurium” by Martin Heinrich Klaproth after the Latin word ‘tellus’, meaning Earth. Tellurium isn’t a widespread environmental concern due to its rarity, but care must be taken in its handling because of its toxicity. Breathing in tellurium dust or fumes can cause serious health issues.
Where is Tellurium Found?
Tellurium doesn’t occur freely in nature but is found combined with other elements, often with gold and silver. Its principal source is anode mud from copper and lead refining.
Properties of Tellurium
Semiconductivity: Like Selenium, tellurium can conduct electricity under certain conditions, making it useful in semiconductors.
Color: When it burns, tellurium produces a blue flame, which is quite distinctive.
Allotropy: Tellurium exists in several forms, with the crystalline form being the most common, having a shiny, silvery appearance.
Thermoelectric Devices: Tellurium, especially when combined with bismuth, is used in thermoelectric devices that convert heat into electricity. Think of it as turning waste heat into useful power.
Solar Panels: It’s a key component in cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells, which are efficient in converting sunlight into electricity.
Alloying: Small amounts of tellurium can improve the machinability of copper and stainless steel, making these metals easier to work with.
Toxic and Odorous: Compounds of tellurium, especially when metabolized, can give off a garlic-like odor, which has historically been used as a telltale sign of tellurium exposure.
Historical Mistake: Tellurium compounds were once used in the 19th century as breath fresheners, although this use has long been discontinued due to their toxicity.
Conclusion
Tellurium might not be the first element that comes to mind when thinking of the periodic table’s stars, but its applications in modern technology, particularly in renewable energy, highlight its importance. From enhancing metal properties to powering our future with solar energy, tellurium plays a unique role.
