Te

Tellurium is a brittle metalloid element with semiconducting properties, commonly used in thermoelectric devices, photovoltaic applications, and as a dopant in specialty alloys and glasses. It is valued in industries requiring thermal-to-electric energy conversion and infrared optical components, where its unique electronic and optical characteristics provide advantages over conventional alternatives. Engineers select tellurium primarily for high-temperature thermoelectric generators, solar cells, and specialized optical systems where its combination of thermal and electrical behavior justifies its cost and handling complexity.