The element germanium is in the periodic system of semimetallic series, but
it is classified as semiconductor according to the newer definition. Germanium
is a silver luster, hard and very brittle material. Under high pressure, brittle
materials fracture and show fracture surface similar to that of silicon. Also in
chemical behavior, germanium is similar to silicon. It's relatively reactive and
very air resistant. When boiling in pure oxygen, germanium powder will be
oxidized to germanium oxide (IV). In the form of powder, it is an inflammatory
solid that can be easily ignited by the short-term effect of a fire source. Even
if the ignition source was removed, it continued to burn. Like many substances,
the greater the risk of ignition, the finer the distribution of substances.
However, it is not flammable in a compact form.
Germanium is one of the few materials with abnormal density. The density of a
solid is lower than that of a liquid. When heated above the melting point, the
density increases by about 4% and the volume increases by about 6% when cured.
The conductivity at room temperature is not very good. However, the conductivity
increases sharply under heating. When foreign atoms (such as aluminum or
antimony) are added, the conductivity can be increased. When you use arsenic,
you get an n-semiconductor and a gallium, a p-semiconductor.
Germanium can be binary and Quaternary. Germanium (IV) compounds have the
strongest resistance. Germanium is not eroded by hydrochloric acid, potassium
alloy and dilute sulfuric acid. In alkaline hydrogen peroxide solution,
concentrated nitric acid and concentrated hot sulfuric acid, it is dissolved by
the formation of germanium dioxide hydrate.
In the 1920s. In the 19th century, germanium was the leading semiconductor
material in the field of electronics. For example, for the production of
transistors. Now, in this area, it has been replaced by much cheaper silicon.
For special applications, it is still rarely used as a semiconductor, such as in
high frequency technology and detector technology.
Today, germanium is mainly used in optical applications, such as the production
of light wave conductors for night vision equipment, thermal imaging cameras,
special windows and even fiber optic cables.
Therefore, Germany plays an important role in expanding Internet connectivity in
the 21st century.
Other applications include nuclear medicine and nuclear technology, the
incorporation of germanium into food supplements, and the specialized use of
germanium.
Toxicology and hazards
As germanium or its compounds are rarely exposed to human beings, little is
known about its toxicological effects. In metal Germany, it may be classified as
small to nonexistent. So far, germanium poisoning has only occurred in humans
after the intake of inorganic germanium compounds as food supplements. The
initial symptoms are loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss and muscle weakness.
The next step is to start over
Compound germanium hydrogen (geh4) is a kind of highly toxic gas with very low
odor. It will spontaneously ignite in the air with blue flame. It is produced by
the action of acid on germanium compounds.
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