Work function of small metal particles: Self-consistent spherical jellium-background model

Abstract

The work function of small metal particles is calculated with the use of the local-density approximation applied to the spherical jellium-background model. Large quantum-size effects are obtained in strict analogy to those obtained for thin metal films. Effective potentials and self-consistent charge densities are discussed in comparison to the semi-infinite half-space. The convergence of the various physical properties to their value of a semi-infinite half-space is investigated.