WORK FUNCTION MEASUREMENT IN GAS AMBIENT

A simple, direct and convenient method for making work function measurements in gas ambient is presented. The procedure consists of making measurements with a Kelvin probe that has been calibrated using the clean solution surface of an electro-chemical half-cell. This method for making work function measurements in gas ambient requires a knowledge of the absolute work function of the half-cell which is related to the absolute half-cell potential. The absolute half-cell potential for the saturated calomel electrode (SCE) was measured and a graphite sample was also used as a reference electrode.