Perovskite electron emitters: Computational prediction and preliminary experimental assessment of novel low work function cathodes

Our recent computational discovery of SrVO
3
possessing a low work function has spurred a much larger modeling effort to search for additional, new perovskite compounds with low work function for applications as thermionic electron emitting cathodes. Here, we detail our progress of conducting high-throughput Density Functional Theory calculations on a set of ~3100 perovskite compounds. We found numerous perovskite materials which possess a low predicted work function and adequate stability under typical operating conditions. Further, we completed preliminary experimental high temperature emission testing of pure SrVO
3
. These early, non-optimized test results support SrVO
3
's promise as a novel electron emission material.