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Tellurium is a non-metallic element with a chemical symbol of Te and an atomic number of 52. It is mainly used for iron, copper and lead alloys in and around the machining process. When added to stainless steel and copper, it makes the resulting alloy easier to process. When added to lead, it also increases strength and durability, and limits its typical corrosive effects. Although the main uses of tellurium have remained the same for the past 40 years or more (see below), science has also created some new uses for the old elements.

Name: Tellurium Symbol: Te Atomic number: 52 Atomic mass: 127.6 amu Melting point: 449.5 °C (722.65 K, 841.1 °F) Boiling point: 989.8 °C (1262.95 K, 1813.64 °F) Number of protons: 5 Number of Electron neutrons: 76 Category: Semimetal Crystal Structure: Hexagonal Density@293 K: 6.24 g/cm3 Color: Silver

In the past 40 years or more, the main use of tellurium has been in steel manufacturing. More than 50% (source: USGS) or more of the final use of tellurium is still used as an alloying agent for steel. Adding about 0.04% tellurium to steel can improve manufacturing properties such as bending, cutting, forming, and turning.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado, a government-owned and contractor-operated facility, has tested the use of tellurium (for cadmium telluride) in solar panels. Cadmium telluride (CdTe) achieves some of the highest efficiencies in solar cell power generation. In fact, cadmium telluride is the first and only thin-film photovoltaic technology that exceeds crystalline silicon photovoltaics in terms of cost-effectiveness, mainly in multi-kilowatt systems.

Other uses of tellurium include:

Although a large amount of tellurium has been used in the production of metals such as steel, it may still be the main use in the near future. As the efficiency of solar cells improves with more research, the business case for solar cells becomes stronger with government requirements for clean energy. Lower costs and government regulations should open up possibilities and make it easier to develop business cases using solar energy in the next decade, thereby increasing the industry’s demand for tellurium.

This information is derived from, reviewed, and adapted from materials provided by AHP Materials.

For more information on this source, please visit AHP materials.

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