Shift of the Energy Level of a Surface State at the Germanium Electrolyte-Interface Due to the Molecular Structure of Its Environment

Abstract

Germanium surfaces contacted by an electrolyte are covered by OH-groups after anodic, with H-particles after cathodic polarization and can be covered even with a mixed layer of different compositons. With alkaline electrolytes (above pH 11) a surface state can be produced, the energy level of which shifts in dependence of the mole fraction of the OH-groups within the mixed layer. This has to be concluded from measurements of the differential interface capacity.