Silver Selenide
Silver selenide, also known as Ag2Se, is a chemical compound composed of two silver atoms and one selenium atom. It is a grayish-black solid with a crystalline structure.
In terms of its physical properties, silver selenide has a melting point of 815°C and a boiling point of 1287°C. It is insoluble in water, but soluble in nitric acid and potassium cyanide.
Silver selenide exhibits semiconducting behavior, meaning that it can conduct electricity under certain conditions. Its electrical conductivity increases with temperature, and it has a band gap of approximately 1.06 eV.
In addition to its semiconductor properties, silver selenide has potential applications in the field of optics. It has a high refractive index of 2.97, which makes it useful for optical coatings and lenses.
However, silver selenide is also known to be toxic and can pose health risks if not handled properly. It can release toxic fumes when heated, and exposure through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact can cause irritation, nausea, and other symptoms. Therefore, it should be handled with caution and proper protective measures should be taken when working with this compound.