1629. Cadmium Telluride

Nomenclature

CAS number: 1306-25-8
CdTe; mol wt 240.01.
Cd 46.84%, Te 53.16%.

Description and references

Prepd by fusion of the elements or by the action of H2Te on CdCl2 solns: Dennis, Anderson, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 36, 887 (1914); Kroger, de Nobel, J. Electron. 1, 190 (1955); Kretschmar, Schilberg, J. Appl. Phys. 28, 865 (1957); from aluminum telluride and a cadmium salt: Nitsche, US 2767049 (1956 to du Pont). Prepn of high purity CdTe: Taylor, Conn, US 3540859 (1970 to Merck & Co.); prepn of single crystals: Kyle, US 3519399 (1970 to Hughes Aircraft).

Properties

Brownish-black, cubic crystals by sublimation in hydrogen. d415 6.2. mp 1041°. Oxidizes upon prolonged exposure to moist air. Practically insol in water and acids, except nitric, in which it is sol with decompn.

Use

In semiconductor research, in phosphors.