Abstract
We reported that the alkaline surface treatment using LiOH, NaOH, and KOH markedly decreases the work function for electrons of the alloy surface, and that this effect accelerates the initial activation rate of the LaNi5 alloys. In this study, the effects of the alkaline surface treatment and the surface oxidation on the work function, the initial activation rate, and the surface condition of the LaNi5 alloy were examined.
