Microstructure – electron work function relationship: A crucial step towards “electronic metallurgy”

Abstract

Electron work function (EWF) is a promising parameter for guiding structural materials design. This parameter is intrinsically correlated to the metallic bond strength and stability, on which mechanical and electrochemical properties of metals depend. However, whether EWF can reflect overall properties of a multiphase alloy remains a question. This is a main barrier to the application of EWF in material design towards the development of an alternative or complementary metallurgical framework: “electronic metallurgy”. In this article, using high-Cr cast irons as a sample material, we demonstrate that the apparent EWF does carry the information on integrated electron behavior and overall properties of multiphase alloys. The charge relocation due to the formation of a dipole layer at interphase boundary plays a crucial role in this matter.