Research Article Open Access

Photoelectrochemical Corrosion of GaN/AlGaN-Based p-n Structures

Alexander Usikov1, Heikki Helava2, Alexey Nikiforov3, Michael Puzyk4, Boris Papchenko2 and Yuri Makarov5
  • 1 University ITMO, Kronverkskiy pr. 49, St. Petersburg 197101, Russia
  • 2 Nitride Crystals Inc., 181 E Industry Ct., Ste. B, Deer Park, NY 11729, United States
  • 3 Boston University, Photonics Center, 8 St. Mary's St., Boston, MA 02215, United States
  • 4 Herzen University, Nab. r. Moyki 48, St. Petersburg 194186, Russia
  • 5 Nitride Crystals Group Ltd., 27 Engels av., St Petersburg 194156, Russia

Abstract

Direct water photoelectrolysis using III-N materials is a promising way for hydrogen production. GaN/AlGaN based p-n structures were used as working electrodes in a photoelectrochemical process to investigate the material etching (corrosion). The structures were grown on sapphire substrates by chloride Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy (HVPE). First, the etching process occurs near vertically via channels associated with defects in the structure and penetrates deep into the structure. Then, the process involves etching of the n-type AlGaN barrier and n-GaN active layer in lateral direction resulting in formation of voids and cavities. The lateral etching is due to net positive charges at the AlGaN/GaN interfaces arising because of spontaneous and piezoelectric polarization in the structure and positively charged ionized donors in the space charge region of the p-n junction.

American Journal of Applied Sciences
Volume 13 No. 7, 2016, 845-852

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/ajassp.2016.845.852

Submitted On: 31 October 2015 Published On: 31 July 2016

How to Cite: Usikov, A., Helava, H., Nikiforov, A., Puzyk, M., Papchenko, B. & Makarov, Y. (2016). Photoelectrochemical Corrosion of GaN/AlGaN-Based p-n Structures. American Journal of Applied Sciences, 13(7), 845-852. https://doi.org/10.3844/ajassp.2016.845.852

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Keywords

  • Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy
  • III-N Structures
  • Photo-Assisted Electrochemical Process