Work functions of binary compounds

A new semiempirical model for predicting the work function of binary compounds is proposed. The model is a modification of the Gordy and Thomas relation and is applicable to binary compounds. The work functions of binary compounds, φAB are found to be primarily determined by the properties of the element of low work function, A, perturbed by the other element of high work function, B, according to φAB=φA + (1.41/dA)[(2φA − φB − 0.34)/(φA + φB − 0.68)]. Experimental values tabulated by Fomenko are compared with the predicted work functions, and the quantitative agreement is good in spite of the simplicity of the model.