Dynamic electrophysical characterization of rubidium polytungstate, Rb₄W₁₁O₃₅, under fast humidity impact

The electrophysical reaction of rubidium polytungstate Rb₄W₁₁O₃₅ (RWO) on fast humidity impact has been investigated by studying the influence of wet air pulse of 1–3 s of duration on the peculiarities of dynamic current–voltage (I–V-) and charge-voltage (Q–V-) loops and transient current–time (I–t-) curves. The revealed peculiarities of hysteretic I–V- and Q–V-loops and I–t-curves for RWO subjected to humidity impact were compared with similar ones observed for water damaged hydrogen-bounded ferroelectric triglycine sulphate (TGS) crystals. The obtained data indicate at least two possible scenarios of polar reaction on the humidity impact, namely protonic/ionic space charge transfer and ferroelectric-like reversible polarization in surface RWO conglomerate disturbed by dipolar H₂O adsorbate. Owing to a high surface activity the RWO can be considered as one of promising materials for creating humidity sensitive elements of environment monitoring systems. The direct humidity-to-frequency conversion was realized using LC resonance or RC-relaxation generating units. - Highlights: • Electrophysical reaction of Rb₄W₁₁O₃₅ on fast humidity impact was studied. • Dynamic current- and charge-voltage loops and transient currents were examined. • Appearance of displacement current maxima under wet air pulse was revealed. • Ionic transfer and ferroelectric-like polarization are likely reasons of the maxima