Module -1
Functional Materials for Smart Systems
Semiconductors:
Semiconductors are materials whose electrical conductivity lies between that of conductors and insulators.
Their conductivity can be controlled by factors such as temperature, light, electric field, and the addition of
impurities (doping). Unlike metals, semiconductors have a small energy gap (band gap) between the valence
band and the conduction band, which allows controlled movement of charge carriers (electrons and holes).
Based on their chemical nature and structure, semiconductors are broadly classified into inorganic
semiconductors and organic semiconductors. Inorganic semiconductors are typically crystalline solids
with strong covalent bonding, whereas organic semiconductors consist of carbon-based molecules or
polymers containing conjugated π-electron systems. Both types play important roles in modern electronics,
but they differ significantly in structure, charge transport mechanism, mobility, stability, and applications.
Comparison between the organic and inorganic semiconductors
1
,2
, 3
Functional Materials for Smart Systems
Semiconductors:
Semiconductors are materials whose electrical conductivity lies between that of conductors and insulators.
Their conductivity can be controlled by factors such as temperature, light, electric field, and the addition of
impurities (doping). Unlike metals, semiconductors have a small energy gap (band gap) between the valence
band and the conduction band, which allows controlled movement of charge carriers (electrons and holes).
Based on their chemical nature and structure, semiconductors are broadly classified into inorganic
semiconductors and organic semiconductors. Inorganic semiconductors are typically crystalline solids
with strong covalent bonding, whereas organic semiconductors consist of carbon-based molecules or
polymers containing conjugated π-electron systems. Both types play important roles in modern electronics,
but they differ significantly in structure, charge transport mechanism, mobility, stability, and applications.
Comparison between the organic and inorganic semiconductors
1
,2
, 3
