Barium Selenide

Barium selenide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula BaSe. It is a crystalline solid that has a zincblende structure, which is a type of cubic crystal lattice. Barium selenide is a semiconductor material with a bandgap of approximately 2.5 electron volts.

Barium selenide can be prepared by reacting barium and selenium at high temperatures, typically between 700 and 1000 degrees Celsius, in a sealed ampoule under vacuum or inert gas. The resulting product is a grayish-black powder that is insoluble in water but soluble in acids.

Barium selenide has several applications, including as a source of selenium for glass and ceramic manufacturing, as a dopant in semiconductor materials to modify their electrical properties, and as a component in scintillation detectors for medical imaging and radiation detection.

It is important to handle barium selenide with care as it is toxic and poses a health risk if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Protective measures such as gloves, goggles, and a lab coat should be worn when handling barium selenide, and it should only be used in a well-ventilated area with appropriate safety equipment.