Non-stoichiometric cuprous oxide, `Cu_(2)O` can be prepared in laboratory. In this oxide, copper to oxygen ratio is slightly less than 2 : 1. Can you account for the fact that this substance is a p-type semi-conductor ?

Explanation

Since the ratio of Cu: O in `Cu_(2)O` is less than 2: 1, therefore, `Cu_(2)O` is non-stoichiometric crystal. This means that some Cut ions have been replaced by `Cu^(2+)` ions. To maintain electrical neutrality, every two `Cu^(2+)` ions will be replaced by one `Cu^(2+)` ion thereby creating a hole. Since the conduction will be due to the presence of these positive holes, it is a p-type semiconductor.