Gerwin Hassink, Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Stuttgart
Thermionic power generation obtains electrical power directly from a temperature gradient by thermionic emission from a hot electrode to a cold electrode. The space charge created by the emitted electrons, however, severely reduces the efficiency of such generators. Recently, a triode setup with supporting magnetic field has demonstrated to greatly reduce the space charge [Meir et al., J.Renew.Sust.Energ. 5, 043127(2013)]. Based on these results, further development has been started to reach higher output by, e.g., reducing the electrode spacing to 100 micron, and by increasing the electrode area. In addition, new gate electrode materials and geometries are investigated. From these investigations the importance of the work function of not only the emitter and collector, but also of the gate, is clear from both the theory and experiment. Work function engineering through surface modification, for example by growing thin oxide layers, is discussed.