How does silicon react with air?
Reaction of silicon with air The surface of lumps of silicon is protected by a very thin layer of silicon dioxide, SiO2. At temperatures above about 1400°C, silicon reacts with nitrogen, N2, in the air as well as oxygen, to form the silicon nitrides SiN and Si3N4.
Does germanium oxidize?
The two most important compounds of germanium are the dioxide (GeO2) and the tetrachloride (GeCl4). Germanium compounds in which germanium is in the +2 oxidation state are well characterized as solids, and in general they are readily oxidized.
What can germanium bond with?
Pure germanium is a semiconductor with an appearance similar to elemental silicon. Like silicon, germanium naturally reacts and forms complexes with oxygen in nature.
Where is germanium found in nature?
Germanium is not found as the free element in nature. Germanium is found in germanite, argyrodite, and some zinc ores. It is also present in coal and its presence in coal insures reserves for many years.
Is germanium a good insulator?
Pure silicon and germanium are poor conductors of electricity because their outer electrons are tied up in the covalent bonds of the diamondlike framework. At low voltages they are insulators, but they begin to conduct electricity if the applied voltage is high enough.
Is Diamond a good insulator?
Diamond normally has a very wide bandgap of 5.6 electron volts, meaning that it is a strong electrical insulator that electrons do not move through readily.
Why is Si preferred over germanium?
The structure of Germanium crystals will be destroyed at higher temperature. However, Silicon crystals are not easily damaged by excess heat. Peak Inverse Voltage ratings of Silicon diodes are greater than Germanium diodes. Si is less expensive due to the greater abundance of element.
How can pure germanium support a current flow?
Because these valence electrons cannot drift, the material cannot support current flow. Germanium and silicon crystals function as insulators at low temperatures. These free electrons are able to carry a small amount of electrical current if an electrical voltage is applied.