Electrochemistry and band structure of semiconductors (TiO₂, SnO₂, ZnO): Avoiding pitfalls and textbook errors

This paper reviews selected problems, which appear in literature dealing with TiO₂, SnO₂, and ZnO. Some of them have more universal impact to semiconductor electrochemistry. The electronic band structure is a key for understanding fundamental properties and for rational design of applications, but the uncertainty of specific values determined experimentally or by theoretical calculations should not be ignored. The inappropriate use of Mott-Schottky plot for characterization of certain semiconductor electrodes is another source of problems. Some other technical and formal issues in research and development of semiconductors are discussed.