Electrical breakdown and electronic current of niobium-niobium oxide-electrolyte systems

Breakdown voltages and electronic current data (at constant voltage) for anodic niobium oxide films in contact with mixed solutions of aqueous electrolytes + diethylene glycol of varying concentrations and compositions at 308 K have been obtained. Breakdown voltage as well as electronic current have been found to depend on electrolyte concentration, composition and resistivity. The effects of electrolyte concentration, composition and resistivity on breakdown voltage have been discussed in terms of Ikonopisov electron avalanche model and the theory of Di Quarto. The values of parameters for impact ionization co-efficient (α) and primary electronic current (j0) have been evaluated. The major factor contributing to the decrease in breakdown voltage with increasing electrolyte concentration is the increasing primary electronic current, j0. (author). 10 refs., 5 figs., 2 tabs