Germanium metal Granules are a high-purity quasi-metallic element material with the chemical symbol Ge and atomic number 32. It exhibits a silvery-gray metallic luster, features a diamond cubic crystal structure, and possesses a hard yet brittle texture. Germanium is a classic semiconductor material, exhibiting electrical conductivity between that of metallic conductors and insulators, and is transparent to infrared light. As one of the cornerstones of modern semiconductor technology, it remains an irreplaceable core material in infrared optics, radiation detection, and specialized electronics.
We offer germanium metal Granules in various purity grades with flexible packaging options. Custom particle size ranges are available to meet specific requirements. For sample requests, please contact our sales and technical support team.
Ultra-high purity options available
Classic semiconductor properties with strong infrared light penetration
Strict quality control ensuring high batch consistency
Flexible customization of particle size and specifications
Professional vacuum-sealed packaging
Infrared Optics & Thermal Imaging: High-performance lens and window materials for infrared thermal imagers, night vision systems, and laser windows, owing to their high infrared light transmittance.
Nuclear Radiation & Spectral Detection: High-purity germanium detectors with high energy resolution, widely used in nuclear physics, security screening, and astronomical observation.
Semiconductors and Electronic Devices: Serves as substrate material for manufacturing high-frequency transistors, sensors, and certain specialized solar cells.
Fiber Optic Communications: Used as a fiber dopant in optical amplifiers to enhance signal quality for long-distance optical transmission.
Q1: What are the respective advantages and disadvantages of germanium metal Granules compared to silicon? How do their primary application scenarios differ?
A1: Germanium excels in higher electron mobility and infrared transparency, making it ideal for high-performance infrared optics and radiation detectors. Silicon dominates due to lower cost, stable oxides, and mature manufacturing processes, forming the absolute mainstream for modern large-scale integrated circuits. Germanium remains irreplaceable in certain specialized, high-performance applications.
Q2: Why is germanium generally more expensive than silicon and other semiconductor materials?
A2: There are three main reasons: First, germanium is a rare and dispersed metal with no independent deposits. It is primarily extracted in trace amounts from zinc ores or coal combustion byproducts, making smelting and purification extremely costly. Second, achieving the purity required for semiconductor-grade material demands exceptionally high standards and complex purification processes. Finally, its market scale is significantly smaller than silicon’s, resulting in limited economies of scale.
Q3: What do “4N” and “6N” in product purity grades specifically denote? What purity levels are required for different applications? A3: ‘N’ stands for “9.” 4N indicates 99.99% purity, while 6N denotes 99.9999% purity. For infrared optical applications, 5N (99.999%) is generally sufficient. However, manufacturing high-purity germanium radiation detectors requires ultra-high-purity germanium single crystals with 10N (99.9999999%) purity or higher. Please consult us based on your specific end-use to select the most appropriate grade.
Q4: Is germanium metal chemically stable? How should it be stored and handled?
A4: Germanium is chemically stable in ambient air at room temperature and is not easily oxidized. However, it is hard and brittle, so physical impact must be prevented. Store in a cool, dry place. For high-purity products, vacuum-sealed or inert gas-filled packaging is recommended to prevent slow surface oxidation. Wear gloves during handling.
Each batch is supplied with:
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
Third-party testing reports available upon request
We not only provide a full range of high-purity germanium products covering needs from fundamental research to high-end manufacturing, but also leverage our deep understanding of semiconductor material applications to deliver one-stop solutions—from product selection and customization to application support.
Molecular Formula: Ge
Molecular Weight: 72.63
Appearance: Grayish-white, brittle solid with a metallic luster
Density: 5.35 g/cm³ (25°C)
Melting Point: 938.25 °C
Boiling Point: 2833 °C
Crystal Structure: Diamond structure (belonging to the face-centered cubic crystal system)
Signal Word:
Danger
Hazard Statements:
H228: Flammable solid
Inner Packaging: Double-layer sealed plastic bags or aluminum foil bags for moisture and leakage protection.
Outer Packaging: Iron drum or fiber drum, depending on the weight, with reinforced sealed lid.
Hazard Packaging: UN-certified packaging compliant with regulations for hazardous materials transportation.
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