Liquid-state semiconductor p-n junction at 903K

A liquid-state semiconductor p-n junction has been fabricated by applying the liquid phase separation of the monotectic Sb-Sb2S3 system at 903K. Electrical conduction types of liquid semiconductor of Sb–S alloy and S2S3-x consisting of the immiscible system are found to be p and n types, respectively, from measured absolute Seebeck coefficients. The p-n junction was formed by the liquid Sb–-S alloy and Sb2S3−x; this is confirmed from the asymmetric current-voltage characteristics or its behavior is rectified. The formation of the liquid-state p-n junction in liquid semiconductors has great prospects in the next-generation direct thermal-to-electrical energy conversion materials.