3
$\begingroup$

I'm working with the following book “Interfacial Electrochemistry” (2nd Edition) written by Wolfgang Schmickler and Elizabeth Santos and I'm trying to understand the process described in section "Absolute electrode potential". You can find the chapter here.

There the work function is defined as follows:

For electrons in a metal the work function Phi is defined as the minimum work required to take an electron from inside the metal to a place just outside. [...] The work function is the negative of the Fermi level, provided the reference point for the latter is chosen just outside the metal surface.

“Just outside” means (mentioned in an earlier chapter):

A postion very close to the surface, but so far away that the image interaction with the phase can be ignored.

The process I'm refering to is described on page 31: enter image description here

[...] let us first consider two metals, I and II, of different chemical composition and different work functions ΦI and ΦII. When the two metals are brought into contact, their Fermi levels must become equal. Hence electrons flow from the metal with the lower work function to that with the higher one, so that a small dipole layer is established at the contact, which gives rise to a difference in the outer potentials of the two phases (see Fig. 4.1).

I don't understand the last half sentence. Why do the outer potentials change and not the work functions? E.g. I'm decreasing the Fermi Level of metal 1, hence (according to the definition) I'm increasing the work function.

These work functions and outer potentials are relative to the adjoining surfaces. The electrons flow to the metal with the lower Fermi energy and build a dipole at the interface. This could have impact on the work function.

Because of the same reason I could understand why the outer potentials change after joining the metals. I just don't get why the work function stays the same.

Thanks for your help!

$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

0
$\begingroup$

Workfunction should be consistent under conditions where material is made up of same composition within same surface because it is a property of materials. It was confusing to me when I was in my first year. That being said workfunction varies from materials and it also depends on the surface. As I sum it up, you can think of workfunction as a function of material,surface. On the other hand, fermi level of which definition is a chemical potential of electron. That means, fermi level can only be the value varied. You can either check text book or google defintion of Fermi level and Workfunction.

Hope this helps

Seoul National University, M.S candidates, school of mechanical engineering.

$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.