Work function measurements in gas ambient

Abstract

A simple, practical method for making work function measurements in gas ambient is presented. The method makes use of a Kelvin probe that has been calibrated using a clean solution surface of an electrochemical half-cell. We find that the outer potential of a typical half-cell solution is constant and reproducible, much more so even than gold in air. It is suggested that the concept and definition of work function be extended to electrochemical half-cells.