Semimetals, also called semiconductors, are a type of chemical element that are neither nonmetals nor metals. These elements possess properties that are both metallic and nonmetallic. They are, therefore, neither conductors nor insulators; instead, their electrical behavior lies somewhere between the two. In other words, semimetals have electrical conduction abilities that can be switched “on” and “off” depending on their chemical composition.
Some common semimetals are arsenic, silicon, germanium and boron. While they are not considered true metalloids, they have some metallic and some nonmetallic properties. For example, arsenic and silicon are both brittle, but arsenic is brittle like a metal and silicon is brittle like a ceramic. In comparison, germanium and boron are both softer than metals and nonmetals.
The first discovered semimetal was silicon, which was discovered by a Swedish chemist in 1854. It was found to be composed of two individual subatomic particles: the electron and the proton. In 1894, the first use of semimetals as electronics was carried out by Sir John Ambrose Fleming when he developed the first electric vacuum tube. By the time Sir William Shockley developed the semiconductor in 1947, more than 20 different types of semiconductors had been produced and used in different applications such as transistors, integrated circuits, and computers.
The key application for these semiconductors is their ability to control an electric current by creating an on-off switch. This ability is referred to as a “semiconductor effect” which is the ability of a substance to act as both a conductor or an insulator based on a number of charge carriers. When sufficient charge carriers are present, an electric current will be carried. On the other hand, if few or no charge carriers are present, then electricity will not be conducted.
Semiconductors are important components in a variety of electronic devices such as computers, cell phones, microwaves, solar cells, and transistors. They are even used in photovoltaic cells which convert solar energy into electrical energy. As technology continues to improve, semimetals have become increasingly valuable in our everyday lives.
While they are nowhere near as common as other elements, nor as abundant, semimetals are increasingly being used in the production of more advanced materials and devices. They have the ability to produce extremely thin films and can be used to create either n-type or p-type semiconductor devices. They also have the capacity to store more electricity than any other conventional material, making them an ideal choice for energy storage applications.
Semimetals are still relatively unknown, but as technology continues to expand and use more modern materials, it is likely that their application and importance in the manufacturing industry will only grow. They provide opportunities for manufacturers to create smaller, more efficient electronic devices. With ongoing advances in technology, the uses of semimetal materials may soon be endless.
