What is the Difference Between Donor and Acceptor Impurities?

The main difference between donor and acceptor impurities lies in the way they affect the electrical conductivity of a semiconductor material. Here are the key differences between donor and acceptor impurities:

• Donor Impurities:
• Increase conductivity by donating electrons.
• Consist of 5 electrons in their valence shell.
• Belong to Group V elements in the periodic table.
• Examples include phosphorus, antimony, bismuth, and arsenic.
• Form n-type semiconductors.
• Acceptor Impurities:
• Increase conductivity by accepting electrons.
• Consist of 3 electrons in their valence shell.
• Belong to Group III elements in the periodic table.
• Examples include boron, gallium, and aluminum.
• Form p-type semiconductors.

In summary, donor impurities donate electrons to the semiconductor, creating an excess of electrons and forming an n-type semiconductor, while acceptor impurities accept electrons, creating an excess of holes (positive charge) and forming a p-type semiconductor.

Comparative Table: Donor vs Acceptor Impurities

Here is a table comparing donor and acceptor impurities:

Donor impurities are elements from Group V of the periodic table, such as phosphorus, antimony, bismuth, and arsenic. When added to a semiconductor, they donate their excess electrons, increasing the material's electrical conductivity and forming an n-type semiconductor.

Acceptor impurities, on the other hand, are elements from Group III of the periodic table, such as boron, aluminum, and gallium. When added to a semiconductor, they accept the charge from other atoms, increasing the material's electrical conductivity and forming a p-type semiconductor.