Tin Selenide Powder (SnSe, Purity: 99.9%, APS: <100 µm)

Tin Selenide Powder

Applications

Thermoelectric Devices:

Tin selenide is widely used in thermoelectric materials due to its high thermoelectric efficiency. It is used in thermoelectric generators (TEGs), which convert heat into electrical energy. SnSe’s low thermal conductivity and high electrical conductivity allow it to achieve an excellent figure of merit (ZT), making it ideal for applications such as waste heat recovery, automotive thermoelectric devices, and space exploration where energy harvesting from waste heat is essential.

SnSe is particularly valuable in solid-state power generation where it can help convert otherwise wasted heat into useful energy.

Solar Energy (Photovoltaic) Cells:

Tin selenide is considered a promising material for thin-film solar cells due to its direct bandgap of approximately 1.1 eV, which is suitable for solar energy absorption. It offers a potentially lower-cost alternative to more traditional semiconductor materials, such as silicon and cadmium telluride, in solar energy conversion.

SnSe-based thin-film solar cells could provide a flexible and lightweight solution for solar power generation, especially for applications where traditional solar panels may not be feasible.

Optoelectronic Devices:

The semiconducting properties of tin selenide make it an attractive material for optoelectronic devices like photodetectors, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and solar cells. SnSe can be used for infrared sensing applications, as it has the ability to absorb and emit light in the infrared spectrum.

Photodetectors made from SnSe are particularly useful for applications in imaging systems, night vision devices, and thermal sensors, where sensitivity to infrared radiation is crucial.

Infrared Sensors:

Due to its bandgap, SnSe is effective in infrared (IR) sensors for detecting thermal radiation from objects. This makes it useful in thermal imaging and gas detection systems. IR sensors made from tin selenide are employed in industries such as security, medical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring.

The material is also used in night-vision technology, where detecting heat sources is crucial.

Thermal Management Systems:

SnSe’s low thermal conductivity makes it suitable for use in thermal management systems within electronics. In devices such as LED lighting, power electronics, and electronic components, SnSe can help manage heat by preventing the overheating of sensitive parts.

Thermoelectric coolers (TECs), which are devices that use the Peltier effect to transfer heat, can benefit from the low thermal conductivity of SnSe, providing efficient cooling in various applications, from portable coolers to microelectronics.