An electron tube cathode has a composite suppression layer structure interposed between the base metal and the electron-emitting material to suppress an interface layer formed through the reaction of the base metal with the electron emissive material. The composite layer structure includes a thin layer of Pt or Re and a layer of oxide of Zr and/or Hf. As a result, the formation of the interface layer is prevented so that the useful life of the electron tube cathode is prolonged.
