Bismuth telluride is a compound that has gained significant attention in recent years due to its unique properties and potential applications in various fields. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the definition, meaning, origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences of bismuth telluride.
Definitions
Bismuth telluride is a compound of bismuth and tellurium with the chemical formula Bi2Te3. It is a semiconductor material that exhibits the thermoelectric effect, which means it can convert heat into electricity or vice versa. Bismuth telluride is also a topological insulator, which means it has a unique electronic structure that allows for the flow of electrons on its surface but not through its bulk.
Origin
Bismuth telluride was first discovered in 1851 by Gustav Rose, a German mineralogist. It is commonly found in the earth’s crust and is usually extracted from ores containing bismuth and tellurium.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, bismuth telluride is defined as “a crystalline compound Bi2Te3 that is a semiconductor and is used especially in thermoelectric devices.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines bismuth telluride as “a compound of bismuth and tellurium, Bi2Te3, which is a semiconductor with thermoelectric properties.”
Associations
Bismuth telluride is associated with various applications, including thermoelectric generators, thermoelectric cooling devices, and topological quantum computing. It is also associated with the field of materials science, where it is studied for its unique electronic and thermal properties.
Synonyms
Synonyms of bismuth telluride include bismuth(III) telluride, bismuth tritelluride, and ditellurobismuthine.
Antonyms
As bismuth telluride is a compound, it does not have any antonyms.
The same root words
Bismuth and telluride are the two root words that make up bismuth telluride.
Example Sentences
- The researchers used bismuth telluride to create a thermoelectric generator that could convert waste heat into electricity.
- Bismuth telluride is a promising material for use in thermoelectric cooling devices due to its high thermoelectric efficiency.
- The unique electronic properties of bismuth telluride make it a potential candidate for topological quantum computing.