Aluminium selenide

Aluminium selenide is a chemical compound with the formula Al₂Se₃. It is a solid material that is typically yellow to orange-red in color. This compound is of interest in the field of materials science and chemistry due to its properties and potential applications.

Structure and Properties

Aluminium selenide is composed of aluminium and selenium atoms. The compound crystallizes in a structure similar to that of aluminium oxide, with each aluminium atom surrounded by six selenium atoms in an octahedral geometry. The compound is known for its high melting point of approximately 960 °C, but it decomposes before reaching its boiling point.

The density of aluminium selenide is about 3.437 g/cm³. It is not soluble in water, and in fact, it reacts with water to produce hydrogen selenide, a toxic gas, and aluminium hydroxide. This reaction limits its use in aqueous environments.

Synthesis

Aluminium selenide can be synthesized by the direct combination of elemental aluminium and selenium at high temperatures. The reaction is as follows:

2 Al + 3 Se → Al₂Se₃

This synthesis requires careful control of temperature and environment to prevent the formation of unwanted byproducts.

Applications

While aluminium selenide itself is not widely used in commercial applications, it is studied for its potential use in semiconductors and other electronic materials. Its properties make it a candidate for use in photovoltaic cells and other optoelectronic devices.

Safety and Handling

Aluminium selenide must be handled with care due to its reactivity with water and the toxicity of the hydrogen selenide gas it can produce. Proper safety equipment, such as gloves and goggles, should be used when handling this compound, and it should be stored in a dry environment.

Also see

• Aluminium oxide
• Selenium compounds
• Semiconductors
• Hydrogen selenide