The photodissolution of InP

The linear dependency of the n-InP photocurrent on the level of illumination is indepedent of the solution composition, the type of illumination, the exposed crystalline face, or the level of doping. The photodissolution mechanism (for photocurrents between 1.1 and 65 mA cm−2) utilizes six charges to dissolve one molecule. In the absence of an insoluble oxide layer, the ratio between photogenerated holes and injected electrons is independent of the exposed crystalline face, the photon flux, the solution composition and the level of doping. Solutions containing oxygen bearing mineral anions (such as ClO−4, H2PO−2, or SO−24) are predisposed to the formation of an insoluble oxide layer on the surface of the InP under strong illumination.