Germanium

Germanium is an essential chemical element with semiconducting properties. Its chemical symbol is Ge. Germanium is lustrous, hard-brittle, grayish – white type element. In this article, we will learn each and every aspect related to germanium, such as what it is, its properties, uses, and many more details.

Symbol	Ge
Atomic Number	32
Atomic Mass	72.630
Discoverer	Clemens Winklers

What is Germanium?

Germanium is a metalloid in the carbon group that is chemically similar to tin and silicon. Germanium is placed in the 14th group in periodic table, which is placed in between silicon and tin. Germanium is a hard, brittle, lustrous type element. It is very reactive type element so it can not occur freely, however it is mostly distributed element. Germanium was predicted by Mendeleev in his periodic table and named it ekasilicon.

Germanium in Periodic Table

The details of the Germanium from periodic table is given below:

Group	14
Period	4
Block	p
Atomic Number	32
Electronic Configuration	[Ar] 3d10 4s2 4p2

Germanium Symbol

The symbol of Germanium is Ge. It is shown in the image below:

Chemical Data of Germanium

The chemical details of germanium element is tabulated below:

Particular	Detail
Group	14
Symbol	Ge
Period	4
Block	p
Atomic Number	32
Atomic Mass	72.630
State at 20°c	Solid
Melting Point	938.25°c (1211.4 K)
Boiling Point	2833°c (3106 K)
Density	5.3234 gm/cm³
Key Isotopes	73Ge, 74Ge
Electron configuration	[Ar] 3d10 4s2 4p2
Election per shell	2, 8, 18, 4
Heat of fusion	36.94 KJ/mol
Heat of Vaporization	333 KJ/mol
Molar heat capacity	23.222 J/(mol.K)

Properties of Germanium

We can study the properties of Germanium under following two headings:

• Physical Properties of Germanium
• Chemical Properties of Germanium

Let’s learn them in detail below:

Physical Properties of Germanium

The physical of Germanium are mentioned below:

Properties	Details
State at 20°c	Solid
Color	grayish – white
Taste	Bitter
Odor	No distinct odor
Shape	Diamond shaped crystalline structure
Atomic Number	32
Atomic Mass	72.630
Group	14
Period	p
Boiling Point	2833°c (3106 K)
Melting Point	938.25°c (1211.4 K)
Density	5.3234 gm/cm³

Chemical Properties of Germanium

The chemical properties of Germanium are mentioned below:

Reactivity: Germanium is a metalloid and exhibits both metallic and non-metallic properties. It’s less reactive than metals such as sodium or potassium, but it’s more reactive than nonmetals such as carbon or silicon.

Oxidation States: Germanium typically exhibits oxidation states of +2 and +4 in its compounds.

Reaction with Acid and Base: Germanium compounds such as Germanium Oxide are amphoteric in nature means they can react with both acid and bases

Reaction with Halogens: Germanium can react with halogen elements to form halides such as GeF₄, GeCl₄

Isotopes of Germanium

Isotopes are atoms with same atomic number but different mass number. There are total seven possible isotopes of germanium out of which five are naturally occurring.

Isotopes	Abundance	Half-life
⁶⁸Ge	Synthetic	270.8 days
⁷⁰Ge	20.5%	Stable
⁷¹Ge	Synthetic	13.3 days
⁷²Ge	27.4%	Stable
⁷³Ge	7.76%	Stable
⁷⁴Ge	36.5%	Stable
⁷⁶Ge	7.75%	1.78×10²¹ year

Production of Germanium

Germanium can be found in the Earth’s crust is approximately 1.6 ppm. However, Germanium is produced primarily as a byproduct of zinc ore processing, although it can also be obtained from some copper and lead ores

Germanium can be widely produced from the ore sphalerite. Sphalerite ore is converted to the germanium oxides by heating in the presence of air, this process is known as roasting. The oxide of germanium is reduced by using carbon form germanium.

GeS₂ + 3O₂ → GeO₂ + 2 SO₂

The germanium oxide thus obtained is reduced using hydrogen producing germanium element which is then used in semiconductor industry\

GeO₂ + 2H₂ → Ge + 2H₂O

When germanium is used by steel industry, it is often reduced using carbon

GeO₂ + C → Ge + CO₂

Uses of Germanium

The uses of Germanium are as follows:

Semiconductor Industry: Germanium is used as a semiconductor material in electronics and optoelectronics. It was one of the earliest materials used in semiconductor devices, such as diodes and transistors.

Optical Fibers: Germanium dioxide (GeO2) is used as a dopant in the production of optical fibers for telecommunications.

Solar Cells: Germanium-based solar cells are used in certain photovoltaic applications, particularly in space and satellite technology.

Catalysis: Germanium compounds, such as germanium dioxide (GeO₂) are used as catalyst

Alloys: Germanium is used as an alloying element in certain metal alloys, such as in aluminum-germanium alloys used in aerospace and automotive applications

Germanium FAQs

What is the germanium used for?

Germanium is commonly and widely used as an alloying agent in fluorescent lamps. It is also used in many electronic devices.

Where is germanium found on Earth?

Germanium is not occurred freely as it is very reactive and it is rare ore. Around 60% Germanium ore is produced by China. The other sources are Canada, Finland, Russia and the United States.

Is germanium magnetic?

Yes, germanium is a magnetic. It is a diamagnetic material.

Is germanium used in phones?

Yes, germanium is used in phones. It is used in displays, LEDs and screen’s conductive coating.

What is Germanium family?

Germanium family refers to the atoms that belongs to the group of germanium. Since, germanium belongs to group 14, the elements of group 14 is called germanium family

Is germanium a metalloid?

Yes, germanium is a metalloid