Uses & Applications

Applications and End-Uses for Tellurium

Tellurium (Te) is a high-criticality technology metal with annual global production of approximately 500 tonnes. Tellurium is a rare metalloid most critically used in cadmium telluride thin-film solar panels manufactured by companies like First Solar. It is one of the rarest elements in the Earth's crust and is produced almost exclusively as a byproduct of copper refining. Growing solar energy deployment is significantly increasing tellurium demand while supply remains constrained by copper production volumes.

Key Applications

The primary end-uses of Tellurium span multiple sectors. The following applications represent the most significant sources of global demand:

• Cadmium telluride solar cells - Tellurium is valued in cadmium telluride solar cells for its unique physical and chemical properties that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Thermoelectric devices - Key alternatives include Vapor compression cooling. Bi2Te3 thermoelectric coolers are used for precise temperature control in electronics and medical devices; vapor compression is more efficient for large-scale cooling but cant match thermoelectric for miniature applications
• Rubber vulcanization - Key alternatives include Sulfur, selenium. Tellurium compounds improve heat resistance of rubber; other vulcanization agents serve most applications adequately
• Bismuth telluride cooling - Tellurium is valued in bismuth telluride cooling for its unique physical and chemical properties that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Steel and copper alloy additive - Tellurium is valued in steel and copper alloy additive for its unique physical and chemical properties that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.

Product Forms and Specifications

Tellurium is commercially available in 4 primary product forms, each serving different industrial requirements:

Demand Outlook

Tellurium is included on the USGS Critical Minerals List, reflecting its importance to the U.S. economy and national security. Growing demand from electrification, digitalization, and defense modernization is expected to place additional pressure on the Tellurium supply chain through the end of this decade.