Impedance spectroscopy and dielectric analysis in KH₂PO₄ single crystal

Optical observation, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential thermogravimetric measurements have been carried out on KH₂PO₄ single crystals. As compared with the optical observation of crystal under polarizing microscope, the dehydration process occurred gradually over the crystal surface at temperatures above 195 °C and then the interior of the sample. The ac impedance measurements were performed as a function of both frequency and temperature. The electrical conduction and dielectric relaxation have been studied. The activation energy of migration is 1.02 eV in the temperature range between 150 and 179 °C. The conduction mechanism in this temperature range is attributed to the hopping of proton among hydrogen vacancies. At temperatures above 186 °C, a higher conductivity activation energy with 2.94 eV is obtained. In addition to the proton conduction, the migration of the heavier ions (such as potassium ion) is also suggested.