Study of the semi-conducting properties of pyrolusite

The electrical conductivity σ of the specimens is found to obey a relation of the type σ=C exp (?B/k T) over a temperature range 300 to 500° K whereC andB are constants. The experimentally determined values ofB and C are (1)B≈1490 to 2199 (2)C ≈ 0·72 × 10^?3 to 4·9 × 10^?3 ohms^?1 cms^?1. The value of the activation energy determined from the values ofB are ≈0·13 to 0·19 e.V. In A.C measurements σ is found to vary with voltage applied across the specimen at a given temperature. The i?V characteristics of metal point semi-conductor contacts are non-linear symmetrical curves and are strongly temperature dependant. The value of the Hall constant (?0·14 cm³/coul) yields carrier concentration as 4·3 × 10¹⁹/cm³, and mobility 1·2 cm² volt^?1 second^?1. Δ?/? for the specimen is found to vary asH ² where ? is the resistivity andH the value of magnetic field. The specimens develop a thermo-electric power of magnitude 200 μV/K to 500 μV/K which is fairly constant over the temperature range 300 to 800° K. The sign of the thermo-e.m.f. and of the Hall constant indicate that the specimens are “n” type.