LOW WORK-FUNCTION ELECTRODE

摘要

Methods for making low work-functions electrodes either made from or coated with an electride material (2) in which the electride material has lattice defect sites are described. Lattice defect sites are regions of the crystal structure where irregularities and deformations occur. Also provided are methods for making electrodes which consist of a substrate (1) coated with a layer of a compound comprised of a cation complexed by an electride former (2), in which said complex has lattice defect sites. In addition, methods for making electrodes which consist of a bulk metal coated with a layer of an electride former having lattice defect sites are described. The electride former stabilizes the loss of electrons by surface sites on the metal, lowering the work-function of the coated surface.