ALUMINIUM SELENIDE Meaning and
Definition
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Aluminium selenide is a chemical compound with the formula Al2Se3. It belongs to the family of binary compounds known as metal chalcogenides, which are composed of a metal element combined with a chalcogenide (a chemical element from the oxygen family, such as sulfur, selenium, or tellurium). In this case, aluminium combines with the chalcogen element selenium.
Aluminium selenide is a dark gray solid with a hexagonal crystal structure. It is most commonly obtained by the reaction of aluminium and selenium at high temperatures or by the direct combination of aluminium chloride and hydrogen selenide. It has a molecular weight of approximately 313.69 g/mol.
This compound exhibits semiconducting properties, meaning it can conduct electricity under certain conditions. It is commonly used in photovoltaic devices and solar cells due to its high absorption coefficient in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Aluminium selenide is also known for its low thermal conductivity, which makes it useful in thermoelectric applications. It has potential applications in thermoelectric generators, where it can convert waste heat into electricity.
In summary, aluminium selenide is a binary compound comprised of aluminium and selenium. It possesses semiconducting properties and is used in the manufacture of photovoltaic devices and thermoelectric generators.
Etymology of ALUMINIUM SELENIDE
The word "aluminium" comes from the Latin word "alumen", which means "bitter salt" or "alum". The term "aluminium" was coined by British chemist Sir Humphry Davy in 1807, who used the name "aluminum" before being changed to "aluminium" to fit the naming convention of other elements.
The word "selenide" is derived from "selenium", which comes from the Greek word "selene", meaning "moon". The element selenium was named after the Greek moon goddess Selene because of its similarity in color to moonlight.
Therefore, when combined, "aluminium selenide" refers to the compound that consists of the element aluminium and the element selenium.
