Germanium (Ge)
| Atomic Number | 32 |
|---|---|
| Atomic Mass | 72.6308 u |
| Category | Metalloid |
| Electron Config | [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p² |
| Appearance | grayish-white |
| Density (STP) | 5323 g/L |
| Melting Point | 1211.4 K |
| Boiling Point | 3106 K |
| Electronegativity | 2.01 (Pauling) |
| Ionization Energy | 762 kJ/mol |
| Atomic Radius | 125 pm |
| Crystal Structure | Face-centered Cubic |
| Discovered By | Clemens Winkler (1886) |
Brief Introduction
Germanium (Ge) is a lustrous, hard, grayish-white metalloid with semiconductor properties. It was important in early electronics but has been largely replaced by silicon in many applications. Key details about Germanium (Ge) are as follows:
Uses: Used in fiber optic systems (germanium oxide improves refractive index), infrared optics (night vision, thermal imaging), solar cells (high-efficiency multi-junction cells), SiGe (silicon-germanium) semiconductor devices, catalysts (PET plastic production), and as a phosphor in fluorescent lamps.
Production/Extraction: Recovered as a byproduct of zinc ore processing or from coal fly ash. Germanium is extremely rare. China, Belgium, and Russia are major producers/refiners. Found in extremely low concentrations in most ores.
History: Predicted by Mendeleev in 1871 (as "ekasilicon"). Discovered by Clemens Winkler in 1886 in the mineral argyrodite. Named after Germania (Latin for Germany). Its properties closely matched Mendeleev's predictions, validating the periodic table.
Health Effects & Safety: Some germanium compounds are toxic. Dietary supplements containing germanium have caused kidney damage and death. Metallic germanium and some compounds (like germanium dioxide used in fiber optics) have low toxicity. No known biological role.
Price/Market: Expensive due to rarity and difficult extraction. Price sensitive to fiber optics and infrared optics demand. Growing interest in renewable energy applications. Classified as a critical mineral.
Properties: Semiconductor properties (conductivity increases with temperature, opposite of metals), transparent to infrared radiation, forms similar compounds to silicon, exhibits primarily +4 oxidation state (also +2), brittle and crystalline, and high refractive index.
← Gallium (Ga) · Arsenic (As) →