Low temperature DC electrical conductivity studies of Pb1-xZnxS semiconductor compounds

• Published in: Solid state sciences 2018-08, Vol.82, p.29-33
• Main Authors: Vasudeva Reddy, Y., Mohan Kumar, T., Shekharam, T., Nagabhushanam, M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Activation energy; Electrical conductivity; Pb1-xZnxS semiconductor; VRH conduction
• ISSN: 1293-2558; 1873-3085
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solidstatesciences.2018.05.015

Pb1-xZnxS (x = 0 to 0.4 in steps of 0.1) ternary semiconductor material shave been prepared by co-precipitation method. The structural and electrical studies have been carried out to understand the influence of Zinc on activation energy. X-ray diffractograms showed that the Pb1-xZnxS compounds are polycrystalline in nature with cubic phase. The temperature-dependent conductivity measured in the range 300–4 K showed a change in the conduction mechanism at 62 K and 31 K. The activation energies evaluated at low and very low temperature regions. Activation energy increases and conductivity decreases with the increase of Zn in Pb1-xZnxS compounds. The samples are exhibiting low freezing temperature points indicating their capability to use in low temperature applications. lot of lnσ versus 1000/T in the temperature range 300 K-4K. [Display omitted] •Pb1-xZnxS (x=0 to 0.4) compounds were prepared by controlled co-precipitation method.•The temperature-dependent conductivity measured in the range 300–4 K and the activation energies evaluated.•It was the first study of electrical conductivity of Pb1-xZnxS compounds in very low temperature regions (up to liquid Helium temperature).