What Is Copper Iodide?
Copper iodide is an odorless, inorganic compound, typically appearing as a white, light brown, or light gray powder or mass. Its chemical formula is CuI, with a molecular weight of 190.45, and it is designated under CAS No.: 7681-65-4.
Notable physical and chemical properties of copper iodide include a melting point of 605°C and a boiling point of 1,336°C. Copper iodide is slightly soluble in nitric acid or a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids, but is almost insoluble in water and ethanol. It is classified as a hazardous substance.
Uses of Copper Iodide
Copper iodide is utilized as a raw material in various fields, including catalysts, electronic materials, resin modifiers, and pharmaceuticals. In the electronics industry, it is recognized as a material for inorganic P-type semiconductors.
Semiconductors are classified into two types: N-type, where electrons are the primary charge carriers, and P-type, where holes (the absence of an electron in a lattice structure) act as charge carriers. In P-type semiconductors, holes appear to move similarly to electrons. Both organic and inorganic semiconductors are developed under this classification. Copper iodide’s excellent properties make it a suitable material for inorganic P-type semiconductors.