Electrical conduction studies in ferric-doped KHSO 4 single crystals

Direct-current conductivity of ferric-doped (138, 267, and 490 ppm) single crystals of KHSO ₄ has been studied. The mechanism for the dc conduction process is discussed. It is observed that the ferric ion forms a (Fe ³⁺-two vacancies) complex and the enthaply for its formation is 0.09 ± 0.01 eV. It is proposed that each ferric ion removes two protons from each HSO ₄ dimer. The conductivity plot shows the presence of intrinsic and extrinsic regions. It is proposed that in the intrinsic region the dimer of HSO ^-₄ breaks reversibly to form a long-chain monomer-type structure. The conductivity in the KHSO ₄ crystal is proposed to be controlled by the rotation of HSO ^-₄ tetrahedra along the axis which contains no hydrogen atom. Isotherm calculation for the trivalent-doped system is applied to this crystal and the results are compared with Co ²⁺-doped KHSO ₄ crystal. The distribution coefficient of ferric ion in the KHSO ₄ single crystal is calculated to be 4.5 × 10 ^-1. Ferric ion causes tapering in the crystal growth habit of KHSO ₄ and it is believed to be due to the presence of (Fe ³⁺-two vacancies) complex. The enthalpy values for the various other processes are as follows: enthalpy for the breakage of HSO ^-₄ dimer ( H_i) = 1.28 ± 0.01 eV; enthalpy for the rotation of HSO ^-₄ tetrahedron ( H_m) = 0.58 ± 0.01 eV.