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How is selenium used in electronic equipment, pigments, and glass?

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A color-coded periodic table of the elements displays each element's symbol and atomic number, with categories such as alkali metals, noble gases, halogens, transition metals, and actinoid elements distinguished by different background colors. — oxygen group element Modern version of the periodic table of the elements (printable).

Selenium, a chemical element in the oxygen group, is utilized in several key industrial applications due to its unique physical and electrical properties.1

Electronic Equipment

The most notable property of crystalline selenium is its photoconductivity, where its electrical conductivity increases significantly when exposed to light. This photosensitivity has historically been used in various devices, including alarm systems, sound films, television, and xerography. Additionally, selenium has been used to rectify alternating electrical current into direct current. While many of these applications have been superseded by more modern materials, selenium remains relevant in chalcogenide glasses, which function as amorphous semiconductors with valuable photoconductive properties.12

Pigments

Selenium is employed in the production of red pigments for ceramics and steel ware. Its compounds are also used to create red enamels.1

Glass

In the glass industry, selenium serves two primary functions:
* Decolorizing: When added in small amounts, it acts as a decolorizer for glass.1
* Coloring: In larger quantities, it imparts a clear red color, which is particularly useful for signal lights. Selenites and selenates can also produce a pale pink or pinkish yellow tint in glass.12