Germanium
Germanium is an essential chemical element with semiconducting properties. Its chemical symbol is Ge. Germanium is lustrous, hard-brittle, grayish – white type element. In this article, we will learn each and every aspect related to germanium, such as what it is, its properties, uses, and many more details.
Symbol |
Ge |
---|---|
Atomic Number |
32 |
Atomic Mass |
72.630 |
Discoverer |
Clemens Winklers |
What is Germanium?
Germanium is a metalloid in the carbon group that is chemically similar to tin and silicon. Germanium is placed in the 14th group in periodic table, which is placed in between silicon and tin. Germanium is a hard, brittle, lustrous type element. It is very reactive type element so it can not occur freely, however it is mostly distributed element. Germanium was predicted by Mendeleev in his periodic table and named it ekasilicon.
Germanium in Periodic Table
The details of the Germanium from periodic table is given below:
Group |
14 |
---|---|
Period |
4 |
Block |
p |
32 |
|
[Ar] 3d10 4s2 4p2 |
Germanium Symbol
The symbol of Germanium is Ge. It is shown in the image below:
Chemical Data of Germanium
The chemical details of germanium element is tabulated below:
Particular |
Detail |
---|---|
Group |
14 |
Symbol |
Ge |
Period |
4 |
Block |
p |
Atomic Number |
32 |
Atomic Mass |
72.630 |
State at 20°c |
Solid |
Melting Point |
938.25°c (1211.4 K) |
Boiling Point |
2833°c (3106 K) |
Density |
5.3234 gm/cm³ |
Key Isotopes |
73Ge, 74Ge |
Electron configuration |
[Ar] 3d10 4s2 4p2 |
Election per shell |
2, 8, 18, 4 |
Heat of fusion |
36.94 KJ/mol |
Heat of Vaporization |
333 KJ/mol |
Molar heat capacity |
23.222 J/(mol.K) |
Properties of Germanium
We can study the properties of Germanium under following two headings:
- Physical Properties of Germanium
- Chemical Properties of Germanium
Let’s learn them in detail below:
Physical Properties of Germanium
The physical of Germanium are mentioned below:
Properties |
Details |
---|---|
State at 20°c |
Solid |
Color |
grayish – white |
Taste |
Bitter |
Odor |
No distinct odor |
Shape |
Diamond shaped crystalline structure |
Atomic Number |
32 |
Atomic Mass |
72.630 |
Group |
14 |
Period |
p |
Boiling Point |
2833°c (3106 K) |
Melting Point |
938.25°c (1211.4 K) |
Density |
5.3234 gm/cm³ |
Chemical Properties of Germanium
The chemical properties of Germanium are mentioned below:
Reactivity: Germanium is a metalloid and exhibits both metallic and non-metallic properties. It’s less reactive than metals such as sodium or potassium, but it’s more reactive than nonmetals such as carbon or silicon.
Oxidation States: Germanium typically exhibits oxidation states of +2 and +4 in its compounds.
Reaction with Acid and Base: Germanium compounds such as Germanium Oxide are amphoteric in nature means they can react with both acid and bases
Reaction with Halogens: Germanium can react with halogen elements to form halides such as GeF4, GeCl4
Isotopes of Germanium
Isotopes are atoms with same atomic number but different mass number. There are total seven possible isotopes of germanium out of which five are naturally occurring.
Isotopes |
Abundance |
Half-life |
---|---|---|
⁶⁸Ge |
Synthetic |
270.8 days |
⁷⁰Ge |
20.5% |
Stable |
⁷¹Ge |
Synthetic |
13.3 days |
⁷²Ge |
27.4% |
Stable |
⁷³Ge |
7.76% |
Stable |
⁷⁴Ge |
36.5% |
Stable |
⁷⁶Ge |
7.75% |
1.78×10²¹ year |
Production of Germanium
Germanium can be found in the Earth’s crust is approximately 1.6 ppm. However, Germanium is produced primarily as a byproduct of zinc ore processing, although it can also be obtained from some copper and lead ores
Germanium can be widely produced from the ore sphalerite. Sphalerite ore is converted to the germanium oxides by heating in the presence of air, this process is known as roasting. The oxide of germanium is reduced by using carbon form germanium.
GeS2 + 3O2 → GeO2 + 2 SO2
The germanium oxide thus obtained is reduced using hydrogen producing germanium element which is then used in semiconductor industry\
GeO2 + 2H2 → Ge + 2H2O
When germanium is used by steel industry, it is often reduced using carbon
GeO2 + C → Ge + CO2
Uses of Germanium
The uses of Germanium are as follows:
Semiconductor Industry: Germanium is used as a semiconductor material in electronics and optoelectronics. It was one of the earliest materials used in semiconductor devices, such as diodes and transistors.
Optical Fibers: Germanium dioxide (GeO2) is used as a dopant in the production of optical fibers for telecommunications.
Solar Cells: Germanium-based solar cells are used in certain photovoltaic applications, particularly in space and satellite technology.
Catalysis: Germanium compounds, such as germanium dioxide (GeO2) are used as catalyst
Alloys: Germanium is used as an alloying element in certain metal alloys, such as in aluminum-germanium alloys used in aerospace and automotive applications
Also, Check
Germanium FAQs
What is the germanium used for?
Germanium is commonly and widely used as an alloying agent in fluorescent lamps. It is also used in many electronic devices.
Where is germanium found on Earth?
Germanium is not occurred freely as it is very reactive and it is rare ore. Around 60% Germanium ore is produced by China. The other sources are Canada, Finland, Russia and the United States.
Is germanium magnetic?
Yes, germanium is a magnetic. It is a diamagnetic material.
Is germanium used in phones?
Yes, germanium is used in phones. It is used in displays, LEDs and screen’s conductive coating.
What is Germanium family?
Germanium family refers to the atoms that belongs to the group of germanium. Since, germanium belongs to group 14, the elements of group 14 is called germanium family
Is germanium a metalloid?
Yes, germanium is a metalloid