Temperature dependence of the energy gap in pyrite (FeS2)

The temperature dependence of the energy gap in pyrite (FeS2) is investigated. The first part of the study is mainly a comparative study of some of the properties of pyrite and silicon. The interesting similarities in these properties seem to indicate that pyrite could possibly be a good starting material for making solar cells. The experimental results of Kou and Seehra are analysed in the light of earlier work of the authors on the temperature dependence of the energy gap in semiconductors. It is essentially seen that the results of Seehra and co-workers are in accord with earlier reported studies. The energy gap of natural pyrite is seen to depend on the impurity concentration.