Description
Lead iodide, also known as plumbous iodide, is a very rarely used compound semiconductor, which appears bright yellow at room temperature. Due to the high atomic numbers of its elements, it has a high photoelectric efficiency of gamma photons while its 2.5eV bandgap promises performance at temperatures up to 250°C. It is promising as a high-efficiency solid state detector; however early devices were limited by material imperfections and impurities. As new crystal growth and purification techniques are being developed, the material has improved mechanical, crystallographic and optical properties. It is soluble in boiling water and potassium iodide.
Applications
The applications of lead iodide are in printing, bronzing, mosaic gold and photography. It is also used as a detector for high-energy photons such as X- rays and gamma rays.
Chemical Properties
The chemical properties of lead iodide are:
| Chemical Properties |
| Chemical Formula |
PbI2 |
| Molecular Weight |
461.01 |
| CAS No. |
10101-63-0 |
| IUPAC Name |
Lead Iodide |
| Group |
Lead –14
Iodine – 17 |
| Crystal Structure |
Rhombohedral, hP3 |
| Symmetry Group |
P-3m1 |
Electrical Properties
The electrical properties of lead iodide are:
| Electrical Properties |
| Band Gap |
2.5 eV |
| Electron Mobility |
≤ 8 cm2 V-1 s-1 |
| Hole Mobility |
≤ 2 cm2 s-1 |
Thermal and Mechanical Properties
The thermal and mechanical properties of lead iodide are:
| Mechanical Properties |
| Melting Point |
402 °C |
| Density |
6.16 g cm-3 |
| Thermal Properties |
| Thermal Diffusivity |
(25.0±0.4)×10-3cm2 s-1 |
| Thermal conductivity |
26.864.3 10-3 W cm-1 K |
Safety Information
| Safety Information |
| GHS Hazard Statements |
R 61 – May cause harm to the unborn child
R 62 – Possible risk of impaired fertility
R 20/22 – Harmful by inhalation and if swallowed
R 33 – Danger of cumulative effects |
| Safety Precautions |
S53 – Avoid exposure – obtain special instructions before use
S45 – In case of accidents or if you feel unwell seek medical device immediately |