Investigation of Sc/sub 2/O/sub 3/ behavior in Sc/sub 2/O/sub 3/-dispersed oxide cathodes

Sc/sub 2/O/sub 3/ behavior in oxide cathodes is investigated through the analyses of AES, XPS, and EPMA. It has been shown that Sc/sub 2/O/sub 3/ plays a significant role in maintaining higher surface concentration of Ba atoms. Thermochemical considerations have indicated possible reactions of Sc/sub 2/O/sub 3/ with interface compounds. It is concluded that Sc/sub 2/O/sub 3/ decomposes interface compounds and generates more Ba atoms in the vicinity of a base metal, and Sc/sub 2/O/sub 3/ inside of an electron emissive layer also has an effect on reducing surface Ba evaporation and maintaining higher electric conductivity. >