Arsenic Hemiselenide

Arsenic hemiselenide is a compound composed of arsenic (As) and selenium (Se) atoms, with a chemical formula of As2Se3. It belongs to the class of chalcogenides, which are materials composed of elements from group VI of the periodic table (O, S, Se, Te) and exhibit interesting optical and electronic properties.

In arsenic hemiselenide, the As and Se atoms are arranged in a layered crystal structure, where each As atom is covalently bonded to three Se atoms, forming a distorted tetrahedral geometry. The layers are held together by weak van der Waals forces, which allow for easy cleavage along certain crystallographic planes.

Arsenic hemiselenide has a direct bandgap of about 1.15 eV, which makes it a promising material for optoelectronics applications such as photovoltaics and photoelectrochemical cells. It also exhibits strong nonlinear optical properties, making it suitable for use in devices such as optical switches and frequency converters.

However, arsenic hemiselenide is toxic and can pose health risks if not handled properly. It should be handled only in well-ventilated areas, with appropriate personal protective equipment, and disposed of according to hazardous waste regulations.