Effect of Vapor Adsorption on the Photoelectron Emission from Gold in Ambient Atmosphere

Photoelectron emission from Au was measured in ambient atmosphere under irradiation of ultraviolet light from a Hg lamp. The emission was greatly influenced by the adsorption of organic and inorganic vapors. The adsorption of cyclohexene showed a significant, but gradual increase of photoelectron emission. On the other hand, the adsorption of acetone reduced photoelectron emission irreversibly to near zero. The change of the photoelectron emission could be interpreted in terms of the change of the work function.