The electrical switching and the non-linear conduction of nanoporous carbon based on organic xerogel

Resorcinol–formaldehyde-based organic xerogel was prepared by sol–gel method using picric acid as a catalyst. Following thermal treatment in an inert atmosphere at high temperatures, the sample exhibited three-dimensional hopping conduction behaviors within a temperature range of 80–300 K, displaying typical semiconductor properties. Based on additional literature data, the authors inferred a potential interdependence between mobility and conductivity, characterized by a universal empirical relationship of the form μ (cm 2 /Vs) ∝ σ 0.76 (S/cm). Equivalent circuits were proposed to accurately fit the experimental data, with impedance measurements facilitating the identification of the equivalent circuit and its fundamental parameters. This approach allowed for the estimation of grain and grain-boundary contributions. The outcomes present very promising prospects for various technological applications in the advancement of negatronic devices and power electronic technology components.