Bismuth(III) Selenide

Bismuth(III) selenide is a chemical compound with the molecular formula Bi2Se3. It is an inorganic material that belongs to the class of semiconductors known as topological insulators. Bismuth(III) selenide has a rhombohedral crystal structure, with a space group of R-3m and lattice parameters of a=b=4.14 Å and c=28.74 Å.

Bismuth(III) selenide is a black, shiny solid that is insoluble in water. It has a bandgap of approximately 0.3 eV, which corresponds to a wavelength of about 4 μm, making it sensitive to infrared radiation. Bismuth(III) selenide exhibits a high thermal conductivity along its basal plane, but it is an electrical insulator in bulk form due to its intrinsic bandgap.

Bismuth(III) selenide has potential applications in thermoelectric devices, where it can convert waste heat into useful electricity, and in spintronics, where its unique electronic properties can be exploited for information processing. Its topological nature also makes it a promising material for quantum computing and other advanced technologies.