Selenium

About Selenium

Selenium is a metalloid that occurs in two forms: as a lustrous metal or as a red powder. It is most commonly used as an additive in glass manufacture. Some selenium compounds decolourise glass, while others produce a deep red hue. Selenium can reduce the transmittance of sunlight in architectural glass and impart a bronze tint. It is also employed in the production of pigments for ceramics, paints and plastics.

Selenium exhibits both photovoltaic properties, converting light into electricity, and photo-conductive properties, whereby its electrical resistance decreases with increasing light intensity. Consequently, it is used in photocells, solar cells and xerographic devices. It also converts alternating current to direct current and is therefore often used in rectifiers.

Selenium is toxic to the scalp fungus that causes dandruff; it is therefore utilised in some anti-dandruff shampoos. It is also used as an additive in the production of stainless steel.

Stanford Advanced Materials (SAM) produces and supplies high-purity copper(I) selenide powder (Cu2Se powder), cadmium selenide powder (CdSe powder), bismuth(III) selenide powder (Bi2Se3 powder) and selenium metal (Se metal).

Selenium Properties:

Advances in Electronics: The semiconductor properties of selenium make it an essential element in modern electronics. Its use in photovoltaic cells, sensors and rectifiers contributes to efficient conversion of light to electricity, thereby enhancing conversion efficiency by specific calibrated measures.

Photo-optical Performance: The light-conductive and light-sensitive characteristics of selenium allow its application in photocopiers and photodetectors. This ensures accurate reproduction of documents and precise detection of light levels.

Human Nutrition: As an essential trace element, selenium plays a critical role in human health. It functions as an antioxidant, supports the immune response against oxidative stress and contributes to thyroid regulation.

Environmental Protection: The presence of selenium in soil and water is crucial for ecosystem health. It supports plant growth and prevents the accumulation of harmful pollutants, thereby contributing to ecological sustainability.

Medical Applications: Preliminary research indicates that selenium may support cognitive health, reduce inflammation and aid in cancer prevention. These findings require further validation through controlled clinical studies.

Agricultural Enrichment: Soils enriched with selenium promote the growth of nutrient-dense plants and ensure that this element is incorporated into the food chain for the benefit of human and animal health.

Selenium Applications:

Electronics: The semiconductor properties of selenium are applied in photovoltaic cells, sensors and rectifiers used in electronic devices.

Photocopying: Photocopy machines utilise the light-conductive properties of selenium to produce accurate reproductions of documents.

Human Health: The antioxidant properties of selenium support immune function, thyroid health and overall well-being.

Environmental Protection: Selenium helps reduce environmental pollutants and contributes to healthy ecosystems.

Dietary Supplements: Selenium supplements address nutritional deficiencies and support measured aspects of health.