Dark and photoconductive properties of hydroxymethylferrocene

The dark electrical conduction properties of hydroxymethylferrocene have been studied as a function of voltage at different sample cell temperatures by using sandwich-cell configuration. The analysis of the results has been based on the space charge limited conduction (SCLC) theory. The distribution of traps in this material has been found to be single discrete level type. Photoconductivity in this material has been studied as a function of the intensity of exciting light source (mercury lamp; 125 W) and sample cell temperature. The results have been compared with the results of ferrocene and, in some cases, with other ferrocene derivatives. An unusual temperature-dependence of photocurrent has been observed. The possible origin of this observation has been discussed.