THEORETICAL PRINCIPLES GOVERNING ELECTROCHEMICAL IMPEDANCE SPECTROSCOPY IN NANOSTRUCTURED SEMICONDUCTOR ELECTRODES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52326/jes.utm.2026.33(1).02Keywords:
electrochemical response, nanostructured semiconductors, space-charge layer, charge-transfer resistance, equivalent circuitAbstract
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) provides a powerful means of probing interfacial and charge-transport phenomena in semiconductor electrodes, yet interpretation becomes increasingly difficult when applied to nanostructured materials. Semiconductor nanowires, nanotubes, and porous films exhibit high surface areas, heterogeneous morphologies, and defect-rich interfaces, all of which modify their impedance response. Theoretical principles regarding EIS behavior in such systems are presented, beginning with semiconductor–electrolyte junction formation, space-charge layer development, band bending and the influence of surface states. Key elements of equivalentcircuit descriptions are examined, including double-layer capacitance, charge-transfer resistance and diffusion-related impedance contributions. Special emphasis is placed on constant-phase elements and distributed models required to capture non-ideal capacitive behavior characteristic of nanoscale electrodes. Common challenges in spectral interpretation, such as overlapping time constants, non-uniform current distribution and deviations from classical Randles-type responses, are summarized within a unified theoretical framework to support reliable modelling and analysis.
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