Lead(II) telluride, chemically represented as PbTe, is a binary compound composed of lead and tellurium. It belongs to the family of IV-VI semiconductors and is known for its thermoelectric properties, which make it a subject of interest in energy harvesting and conversion applications.
Features of Lead(II) Telluride (PbTe)
High Thermoelectric Efficiency: PbTe stands out due to its high thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT), making it efficient at converting heat directly into electricity and vice versa. Narrow Bandgap: With a direct bandgap of approximately 0.3 eV, PbTe enables efficient carrier transport, a critical characteristic for thermoelectric performance. Low Thermal Conductivity: The low thermal conductivity of PbTe allows for effective thermoelectric operation, as it minimizes heat loss during energy conversion processes. Structural Stability: PbTe has a stable crystal structure at high temperatures, maintaining its integrity and performance in harsh operating environments. Easy to Dope: Being a semiconductor, PbTe can be doped with other elements to modify its electrical properties, further enhancing its thermoelectric efficiency.
Technical Parameter of Lead(II) Telluride (PbTe)
Certificate of Analysis
Product
Purity
Specification
Net weight (kg)
Lead II telluride PbTe
99.99%
Impurity Content (ppm)
Element
Guarantee Value(max)
Cu
5
Mg
10
Ag
5
Ni
10
Zn
5
Fe
10
Al
10
As
5
Cd
5
Cr
10
Sn
5
Application of Lead(II) Telluride (PbTe)
Thermoelectric Generators: PbTe is a key material in thermoelectric generators (TEGs), converting waste heat from industrial processes or automotive exhaust into usable electricity. Cooling Devices: It is also used in thermoelectric coolers, where it can pump heat against a temperature gradient for cooling purposes. Optoelectronics: Due to its semiconducting properties, PbTe finds applications in infrared detectors and other optoelectronic devices. Radiation Detectors: Utilized in high-performance radiation detection systems due to its high sensitivity to infrared and gamma radiation. Research: As a model system for studying fundamental thermoelectric principles and advancing new materials design for enhanced thermoelectric performance.
Company Profile
Luoyang Tongrun Nano Technology Co. Ltd. (TRUNNANO) is a trusted global chemical material supplier & manufacturer with over 12-year-experience in providing super high-quality chemicals and nanomaterials, including boride powder, nitride powder, graphite powder, sulfide powder, 3D printing powder, etc.
The company has a professional technical department and Quality Supervision Department, a well-equipped laboratory, and equipped with advanced testing equipment and after-sales customer service center.
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Storage conditions 1) Store in a dry environment at room temperature. 2) Avoid damp and high temperature. 3) Use immediately after opening the inner packing bag.
FAQ Q1. What is Lead(II) Telluride (PbTe)? A: Lead(II) Telluride, PbTe, is a compound made of lead and tellurium. It's a semiconductor material well-known for its exceptional thermoelectric properties, meaning it can convert heat into electricity or vice versa efficiently.
Q2. Is Lead(II) Telluride toxic? A: Yes, Lead(II) Telluride contains lead, which is toxic. It should be handled with care and appropriate safety measures should be followed to prevent exposure, particularly inhalation or ingestion, as lead can cause serious health issues.
Q3. How does Lead(II) Telluride work in thermoelectric applications? A: PbTe works by exploiting the Seebeck effect, where a temperature difference across the material creates a voltage, allowing the flow of electricity. Con versely, applying a current can cause heat to move from one side to the other, acting as a cooler. Its low thermal conductivity and high electrical conductivity make it efficient for this purpose.
Q4. Can Lead(II) Telluride be used for environmental sustainability applications? A: Yes, PbTe is used in waste heat recovery systems, converting wasted heat from industrial processes or vehicles into electricity, thus improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
Q5. Is Lead(II) Telluride easy to synthesize? A: Lead(II) Telluride can be synthesized through various methods, including direct combination of lead and tellurium at high temperatures, or through chemical vapor transport reactions. While the process requires controlled conditions, it is relatively straightforward for industrial production.
Q6. Are there any alternatives to Lead(II) Telluride for thermoelectric applications due to its toxicity? A: Yes, researchers are actively exploring less toxic alternatives like bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3), tin selenide (SnSe), and skutterudites, which offer comparable or even superior thermoelectric performance without the environmental and health concerns associated with lead.
Q7. How does doping affect Lead(II) Telluride's performance? A: Doping, the intentional introduction of impurities, can significantly enhance PbTe's thermoelectric properties. N-type or p-type dopants increase the number of free electrons or holes, respectively, improving electrical conductivity without significantly increasing thermal conductivity, thus boosting the material's thermoelectric efficiency.
Q8. What are the primary challenges in using Lead(II) Telluride commercially? A: Besides the toxicity issue, challenges include optimizing material properties for specific applications, improving manufacturing scalability and cost-effectiveness, and ensuring long-term stability and reliability of PbTe-based devices under operational conditions.
