Germanium tetrachloride (GeCl₄)

Description

1. Product Overview
Germanium Tetrachloride (GeCl₄) is a high-purity, colorless liquid intermediate essential for the production of optical-grade germanium materials and semiconductor fibers. Primarily used in the synthesis of germanium dioxide (GeO₂) and ultimately metallic germanium, this product enables high-performance infrared optics, fiber optic telecommunications, and advanced electronics. Its strategic value lies in enabling ultra-low-loss light transmission in fiber networks and high-precision thermal imaging, directly supporting global 5G infrastructure and defense supply chains.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical Composition: Germanium Tetrachloride (GeCl₄), ≥99.9999% (6N) to 99.999999% (8N) purity

• Physical Form: Colorless, fuming liquid (hygroscopic, reacts violently with water)

• Density: 1.879 g/cm³ at 20°C

• Boiling Point: 83.1°C

• Melting Point: -49.5°C

• Vapor Pressure: 76 mmHg at 20°C

• Impurity Control: Individual metal impurities (Fe, Cu, Al, As, P) ≤0.1 ppm for 6N grade; ≤0.01 ppm for 8N grade

• Packaging Options: Hermetically sealed quartz ampoules (1L–5L), PTFE-lined stainless steel drums (50L–200L), ISO tank containers for bulk liquid

• Shelf Life: 24 months when stored in original sealed container under dry inert gas (N₂ or Ar), ≤25°C, away from moisture

3. Core Industrial Applications

• Fiber Optic Telecommunications (Primary): Used as a core dopant in modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD) to produce germanium-doped silica preforms. GeCl₄ increases the refractive index of fiber cores, enabling <0.2 dB/km attenuation – superior to conventional dopants for long-haul and submarine cables.

• Infrared (IR) Optics: Precursor for polycrystalline germanium lenses and windows used in thermal imaging, night vision, and military targeting systems. GeCl₄-derived germanium offers higher refractive index (n=4.0) and broader IR transmission (2–14 µm) than chalcogenide glasses.

• Semiconductors & Substrates: Base material for high-purity germanium wafers in radiation detectors and high-efficiency solar cells (e.g., multi-junction III-V cells for space applications).

• Catalysis (Specialty): Lewis acid catalyst in specific organic syntheses where low metal residue is critical.

Why better than alternatives: Direct GeCl₄ vapor-phase doping eliminates particle formation, ensures atomic-level homogeneity, and reduces optical scattering losses compared to solution doping or alternative dopants (e.g., P, B).

4. Competitive Advantages

• Quality Consistency: ISO 9001:2025 certified production with statistical process control (SPC). Batch-to-batch variability <±2% for trace impurities. Each shipment includes an ICP-MS certificate of analysis (CoA).

• Supply Reliability: Dual-sourced raw germanium supply (recycled and mined) ensures 100% fulfillment rate over 5+ years. On-site purification trains with 20 MT/month capacity.

• Logistics Capability: Dedicated hazardous material (UN 3395) logistics team. Temperature-controlled, moisture-proof packaging with real-time GPS tracking and humidity sensors for sensitive shipments.

• Price Competitiveness: Direct-from-refinery pricing, removing trader markups. Volume-based tiered pricing with quarterly hedging options.

• Environmental & Technical Support: Closed-loop chlorine recovery system reduces waste by 40%. Free 24/7 technical support for MCVD process optimization and handling safety protocols. Full REACH and TSCA documentation provided.

5. Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 500 kg for drum packaging; 10 MT for ISO tank container

• BULK 20MT Loading Capacity: 20 metric tons (net weight) per 20-ft ISO tank container (20,000 kg) – optimized for full container utilization

• Lead Time: 15 days ex-works for MOQ; 30 days for bulk 20 MT after advance payment

• Incoterms: EXW (refinery), FOB (Shanghai/Rotterdam/Houston), or CIF major ports