1. Introduction
Germanium is a special element that occurs naturally in the environment and can exist in three forms: elemental germanium, germanium oxide and germanic salts. Germanium has a wide variety of applications, such as in the fabrication of electronic components, optics and optoelectronics. One of the most important uses of germanium is in the production of III-V semiconductor materials, which are used to produce integrated circuits, photovoltaic cells, laser diodes and optical fibers. Germanium is typically extracted from its raw form in two steps: alkali metal or earth metal chlorination and distillation.
2. Alkali Metal or Earth Metal Chlorination
This process of extracting germanium involves the reaction of an alkali metal or earth metal chloride with germanium dioxide at high temperatures. When this reaction occurs, oxygen is removed and germanium tetrachloride is formed. This germanium tetrachloride must then be distilled in order to separate the different compounds.
3. Distillation
Once the germanium tetrachloride has been created, it must be distilled in order to create the pure form of germanium needed for various applications. This process of germanium distillation is relatively simple and involves heating the germanium tetrachloride to a specific temperature. When the germanium tetrachloride is heated, its vapor pressure increases, causing some of the germanium to vaporize. The vapor is then cooled and condensed, forming the pure form of germanium that is needed.
4. Conclusion
Germanium is a valuable element that can be used in a wide variety of applications. In order to gain access to this important element, it must first be extracted from its raw form in two steps: alkali metal or earth metal chlorination and distillation. This distillation process is the only way to separate the different compounds of germanium and create the pure form of germanium needed for various applications.
