Study of semiconductors using electrochemical techniques

A nonmathematical description of current flow across the semiconductor–electrolyte boundary is presented. The description of active ions in solution is reviewed in terms of their acceptor or donor energy levels, the fluctuation of these levels, and the mechanism of electron transfer to or from these levels. With no such active ions (in other words, with an inert electrolyte), in principle electron transfer cannot occur. The use of such an inert electrolyte as a contact to make measurements of the bulk properties of the semiconductor is emphasized. The advantages and disadvantages of such a liquid as opposed to a metallic layer as a contact in C–V studies is discussed.