Metalloids refer to elements in the periodic table that lie between metals and non-metals. They exhibit properties of both metals and non-metals, which is why they are called metalloids.
The main metalloids include: Silicon (Si), Arsenic (As), Germanium (Ge), Boron (B), Antimony (Sb), Bismuth (Bi), Tellurium (Te), and Astatine (At).
Characteristics of Metalloids
Conductivity: The electrical conductivity of metalloids is between that of metals and non-metals. They usually have some level of conductivity at room temperature, but not as high as metals, nor as low as most non-metals. This makes them important in the semiconductor industry.
Physical Properties: Metalloids generally have a metallic appearance, such as a metallic luster, but in other respects, like hardness and malleability, they are more similar to non-metals. Their physical properties may display either metallic or non-metallic characteristics depending on the conditions.
Chemical Properties: The chemical properties of metalloids are also intermediate between metals and non-metals. They can form alloys with metals or compounds with non-metals.
Physical Properties of Metalloids
| Element | Density (g/cm³) | Melting Point (°C) | Boiling Point (°C) | Hardness | Conductivity | Malleability |
| Boron (B) | 2.34 | 2076 | 3927 | High hardness, very brittle | Poor | Very poor, brittle |
| Silicon (Si) | 2.33 | 1414 | 2900 | Medium hardness, relatively brittle | Semiconductor | Poor |
| Germanium (Ge) | 5.32 | 938 | 2833 | Medium hardness | Semiconductor | Poor |
| Arsenic (As) | 5.72 | 814 | 613 | Relatively brittle, high hardness | Semiconductor | Very poor, brittle |
| Antimony (Sb) | 6.68 | 630 | 1587 | Hard, brittle | Semiconductor | Very poor, brittle |
| Bismuth (Bi) | 9.78 | 271 | 1564 | Soft, brittle | Good | Very poor, brittle |
| Tellurium (Te) | 6.24 | 452 | 988 | Brittle, moderate hardness | Semiconductor | Very poor, brittle |
| Astatine (At) | 6.2-6.3 | ~302 | ~457 | Extremely brittle | Semiconductor | Very poor, brittle |
The physical properties of metalloids demonstrate their unique position, as they are neither completely metallic nor completely non-metallic.
They typically have a metallic appearance and some level of conductivity, but in terms of hardness, malleability, and other physical properties, they are often closer to non-metals.
As a result, the applications of metalloids are primarily focused on semiconductor technology, catalysts, alloys, and other fields, making full use of their unique physical characteristics.
Applications of Metalloids
Semiconductor Materials: Metalloids, especially silicon and germanium, are crucial in the electronics industry and are widely used in manufacturing semiconductor devices such as transistors, diodes, etc.
Alloys: Some metalloids, like antimony and bismuth, are commonly alloyed with other metals to improve the properties of the metal.
Catalysts: Certain metalloids are used as catalysts in chemical reactions, particularly in organic synthesis and environmental technologies.
