Selenium | Vibepedia
Selenium is a chemical element with the symbol Se and atomic number 34, discovered in 1817 by Jöns Jacob Berzelius. It has various physical appearances and is…
Contents
Overview
Selenium was discovered in 1817 by Jöns Jacob Berzelius, a Swedish chemist, who noted the similarity of the new element to the previously discovered tellurium. The name selenium comes from the Greek word σελήνη, meaning 'moon'. Berzelius' discovery was a significant milestone in the field of chemistry, and it paved the way for further research on the properties and applications of selenium. Today, selenium is recognized as an essential element in various industries, including glassmaking, pigments, and electronics, with companies like Corning Inc. and 3M utilizing selenium in their products.
⚙️ Physical Properties & Occurrence
Selenium has various physical appearances, including a brick-red powder, a vitreous black solid, and a grey metallic-looking form. It seldom occurs in its elemental state or as pure ore compounds in Earth's crust, but is found in metal sulfide ores, where it substitutes for sulfur. The extraction of selenium from these ores is a complex process, involving the use of copper and other metals. Companies like Rio Tinto and BHP are involved in the mining and refining of selenium-rich ores, which are then used to produce selenium-based products.
🌍 Commercial Uses & Applications
The chief commercial uses for selenium today are glassmaking and pigments. Selenium is a semiconductor and is used in photocells, which are used in a variety of applications, including solar panels and photocopiers. While applications in electronics, once important, have been mostly replaced with silicon semiconductor devices, selenium is still used in a few types of DC power surge protectors and one type of photocell. The use of selenium in these applications is due to its unique properties, which make it an ideal material for certain industrial processes. For example, Sharp Corporation uses selenium in its solar panels, while Xerox uses it in its photocopiers.
🔮 Legacy & Future
In addition to its commercial uses, selenium has a range of other applications, including its use as a nutritional supplement and in the production of certain types of steel. The future of selenium looks promising, with ongoing research into its potential uses in new technologies, such as nanotechnology and renewable energy. As the demand for selenium continues to grow, companies like Vivint Solar and Tesla are likely to play a significant role in shaping the future of the selenium industry.
Key Facts
- Year
- 1817
- Origin
- Sweden
- Category
- science
- Type
- chemical element
Frequently Asked Questions
What is selenium used for?
Selenium is used in a variety of applications, including glassmaking, pigments, and electronics. It is also used in photocells, which are used in solar panels and photocopiers. Companies like Sharp Corporation and Xerox use selenium in their products.
Who discovered selenium?
Selenium was discovered in 1817 by Jöns Jacob Berzelius, a Swedish chemist. Berzelius' discovery was a significant milestone in the field of chemistry, and it paved the way for further research on the properties and applications of selenium.
What are the physical properties of selenium?
Selenium has various physical appearances, including a brick-red powder, a vitreous black solid, and a grey metallic-looking form. It seldom occurs in its elemental state or as pure ore compounds in Earth's crust, but is found in metal sulfide ores, where it substitutes for sulfur.
What is the future of selenium?
The future of selenium looks promising, with ongoing research into its potential uses in new technologies, such as nanotechnology and renewable energy. As the demand for selenium continues to grow, companies like Vivint Solar and Tesla are likely to play a significant role in shaping the future of the selenium industry.
What are the benefits of using selenium?
The use of selenium has several benefits, including its high efficiency in photocells and its ability to substitute for sulfur in metal sulfide ores. Additionally, selenium is a relatively rare element, which makes it a valuable resource for companies involved in its mining and refining, such as Rio Tinto and BHP.