An isotope effect in lithium’s work function
Even changing the mass of the atomic nuclei—without changing the element—affects a measurable electronic property.
Beyond a simple electron-gas model
Precision measurements of ⁶Li and ⁷Li nanoparticles reveal distinct temperature dependences of their work functions. The observed differences and curvature cannot be explained adequately by electron-density changes from thermal expansion alone.
The result points to the importance of lattice dynamics and electron–phonon interactions in lithium. The low-temperature flattening of the work-function curves is consistent with expectations from the Third Law of Thermodynamics.
Publication: A. A. Sheekhoon, A. O. Haridy, and V. V. Kresin, Physical Review B 113, 235407 (2026).