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Non-stoichiometric cuprous oxide, Cu2O can be prepared in laboratory. In this oxide, copper to oxygen ratio is slightly less than 2:1. Can you account for the fact that this substance is a p-type semiconductor?

Non-stoichiometric cuprous oxide, Cu2O can be prepared in laboratory. In this oxide, copper to oxygen ratio is slightly less than 2:1. Can you account for the fact that this substance is a p-type semiconductor?

Grade:8

4 Answers

Sakshi
askIITians Faculty 652 Points
8 years ago
Since it is given that the ratio of Cu2+ ions is lesser as compared to the ratio of Oxide ions, that means, certain sites where actually there should be the presence of copper ions (i.e, positive ions) are now vacant.
Thus, one can say that it has a larger hole concentration than electron concentration. The phrase 'p-type' refers to the positive charge of the hole. In p-type semiconductors, holes are the majority carriers and electrons are the minority carriers.
Thus, Cu20 can act as a p type semiconductor.
deeptanshu
13 Points
5 years ago
The charge on Cu will +1 in Cu2O and in normal compound Cu has + 2 charge . and every 2 ions of Cu +1 will replaced by one ion of Cu +2. The conductance is arise due to these positiveholes hence it will form a p type of semiconductor.
Vishant
11 Points
5 years ago
Given :
Copper to oxygen ratio is slightly less than 2:1
 
This slight difference in ratio factor indicate the absence of  Cu+ ions from their lattice site leaving behind holes i.e presence of holes allow the lattice of defected Cu2O  to conduct electricity. Thus, Non-stoichiometric cuprous oxide, Cu2O behave as a p-type semiconductor.  
Rishi Sharma
askIITians Faculty 646 Points
3 years ago
Dear Student,
Please find below the solution to your problem.

Since it is given that the ratio of Cu2+ ions is lesser as compared to the ratio of Oxide ions, that means, certain sites where actually there should be the presence of copper ions (i.e, positive ions) are now vacant.
Thus, one can say that it has a larger hole concentration than electron concentration.
The phrase 'p-type' refers to the positive charge of the hole. In p-type semiconductors, holes are the majority carriers and electrons are the minority carriers. Thus,
Cu20 can act as a p type semiconductor.

Thanks and Regards

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