On the role of electrons and holes in surface reactions on semiconductors

Abstract It is shown that electrons and holes are most important for charge transfer processes which can be studied in electrochemical reactions. Two functions of electrons and holes are emphasized: 1) the action of bond weakening which enables chemical attack by electrophilic or nucleophilic reactants, 2) the function as electron donor or acceptor in redox reactions where the electron transfer in mainly controlled by energy correlations.