The Meyer–Neldel rule for dc activation processes in mixed isoelectronic chalcogens systems

Abstract The origin of the compensation Meyer–Neldel rule (MNR) for an Arrhenius dc conductivity behavior has been elucidated via comparative analytical studies on non-crystalline and crystalline groups of Se-like structure semiconductors (i.e., mixed isoelectronic chalcogens: Se–S, Se–Te and Se–S–Te systems) with a comparison with those of Si:H. Findings and results disclosed a clear appearance of the MNR in all non-crystalline forms and a common deviation for the crystalline structures. The presence (E MN > 0) or absence (E MN σ 00 and MN-energy E MN ) for both lone-pair (mixed chalcogens) as well as for tetrahedrally bonded (Si:H) semiconductors.