Germanium

PROPERTIES

Germanium is a shiny grey-white, very brittle metal with the properties of a semiconductor. Under normal conditions it is completely stable in air. It is also does not react to by water, non-oxidizing acids and alkalis. A typical feature of germanium is its density anomaly. In the solid state, its density is lower than in the liquid state. This also has an impact on practical applications. Wafers made of germanium are significantly more fragile than wafers made of silicon. However, this disadvantage is also offset by substantial advantages. Monatomic layers of germanium conduct electrons up to ten times faster than silicon. On the other hand, another property is relevant for the use of germanium in nuclear reactors. Unlike steel, the crystal structure of the strategy metal cannot be broken by neutron radiation. Rather, it absorbs the impact elastically.

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Expert tip

„A portfolio with technology metals should, in any case, also include germanium. I don't see it as a major component, but recommend it as an admixture. My caution is well founded: The industry can only utilize what is available on the market - and since germanium is particularly scarce, with an annual production of only 120 t, and it is additionally artificially scarce thanks to China, many industries are looking around for alternatives in the long term. However, it will be years before the corresponding technologies are ready for the market.“ Thomas Grob, Tradium