The valence band is the energy below which there are available states for electrons to occupy. Similarly the conduction band is the energy above which there are available states. But, What exactly does Fermi energy level mean?
The Fermi energy level in a solid material is the highest energy state electrons can occupy at absolute zero temperature. Between the valence band and the conduction band, it separates filled and empty states. In zero-degree temperatures, energy levels above Fermi energy are empty, while those below are filled. Conductivity, bandgap, and electron transport are all influenced by Fermi energy, which is essential for determining the electrical and thermal properties of materials. An energy band's position determines the characteristic behavior of a material, such as whether it is an insulator, inductor, or semiconductor.
Seyed Parsa Amouzesh My point is that if the Fermi energy is the highest energy level that electrons can occupy, then what is the difference with the valence band and Fermi energy? Because the valence band is also exactly the highest level of energy that electrons have occupied.
In some scenarios, scientists establish the conduction band (CB) at zero energy potential. However, in practical cases, the calculation of the CB must rely on the intrinsic properties of the materials involved. By Considering the CB not equal to Zero then the Fermi level is going to be meaningful.
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