Pitting and porous layer formation on n-InP anodes

C. O'Dwyer, D. N. Buckley, M. Serantoni, D. Sutton, S. B. Newcomb

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

Surface pitting occurs when InP electrodes are anodized in KOH electrolytes at concentrations in the range 2 - 5 mol dm-3. The process has been investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and the results correlated with cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electroanalytical measurements. AFM measurements show that pitting of the surface occurs and the density of pits is observed to increase with time under both potentiodynamic and potentiostatic conditions. This indicates a progressive pit nucleation process and implies that the development of porous domains beneath the surface is also progressive in nature. Evidence for this is seen in plan view TEM images in which individual domains are seen to be at different stages of development. Analysis of the cyclic voltammograms of InP electrodes in 5 mol dm-3 KOH indicates that, above a critical potential for pit formation, the anodic current is predominantly time dependent and there is little differential dependence of the current on potential. Thus, pores continue to grow with time when the potential is high enough to maintain depletion layer breakdown conditions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages136-151
Number of pages16
Publication statusPublished - 2003
Externally publishedYes
EventState-of-the-Art Program on Compound Semiconductors XXXIX and Nitride and Wide Bandgap Semiconductors for Sensors, Photonics, and Electronics IV - Proceedings of the Intenational Symposium - Orlando,FL, United States
Duration: 12 Oct 200317 Oct 2003

Conference

ConferenceState-of-the-Art Program on Compound Semiconductors XXXIX and Nitride and Wide Bandgap Semiconductors for Sensors, Photonics, and Electronics IV - Proceedings of the Intenational Symposium
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando,FL
Period12/10/0317/10/03

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