Skip to main navigation Skip to search Skip to main content

A thermionic energy converter with polycrystalline molybdenum electrodes

  • G.H.M. Gubbels
  • , L.R. Wolff
  • , R. Metselaar

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    190 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    A research diode with polycrystalline molybdenum electrodes is described. Voltage-current characteristics are presented as a function of the cesium reservoir temperature. A power density of 4 W/cm2 is obtained at an emitter temperature of 1400¿°C. The influence of the temperatures of the emitter, collector, and cesium reservoir and of the interelectrode distance is experimentally investigated. Physical explanations for the various effects are given. The work function of the polycrystalline molybdenum emitter in a cesium atmosphere is evaluated as 2.5–2.7 eV depending on the reduced emitter temperature (i.e., the emitter temperature divided by the cesium reservoir temperature). A barrier index Vb =2.0 eV and a cesium plasma drop Vd =0.4 eV are found.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1508-1512
    Number of pages5
    JournalJournal of Applied Physics
    Volume64
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1988

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'A thermionic energy converter with polycrystalline molybdenum electrodes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this