Electron work function: an indicative parameter towards a novel material design methodology
Journal
Scientific Reports
Journal Volume
11
Journal Issue
1
Date Issued
2021
Author(s)
Abstract
Electron work function (EWF) has demonstrated its great promise in materials analysis and design, particularly for single-phase materials, e.g., solute selection for optimal solid-solution strengthening. Such promise is attributed to the correlation of EWF with the atomic bonding and stability, which largely determines material properties. However, engineering materials generally consist of multiple phases. Whether or not the overall EWF of a complex?multi-phase material can reflect its properties is unclear. Through investigation on the relationships among EWF, microstructure, mechanical and electrochemical properties of low-carbon steel samples with two-level microstructural inhomogeneity, we demonstrate that the overall EWF does carry the information on integrated electron behavior and overall properties of multiphase alloys. This study makes it achievable to develop “electronic metallurgy”—an electronic based novel alternative methodology for materials design. ? 2021, The Author(s).
SDGs
Type
journal article