Abstract
The relationship between the work function (Φ) and the surface stability of compounds is, to our knowledge, unknown but very important for applications such as organic light-emitting diodes. This relation is studied using first-principles calculations on various surfaces of BaAl4. The most stable surface [Ba-terminated (001)] has the lowest Φ (1.95 eV), which is lower than that of any elemental metal including Ba. Adding barium to this surface neither increases its stability nor lowers its work function. BaAl 4 is also strongly bound. These results run counter to the common perception that stability and a low Φ are incompatible. Furthermore, a large anisotropy and a stable low-work-function surface are predicted for intermetallic compounds with polar surfaces.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 3879-3882 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Chemistry of Materials |
Volume | 17 |
Issue number | 15 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 26 Jul 2005 |