Fabrication and electron emission of [Ca24Al24.08Zr3.92O64](4+)(4e(-)) electrides

[Ca24Al24.08Zr3.92O64](4+)(4e(-)) electrides are ceramic materials with low work functions that can store high-density free electrons. So, it has great application potential in electron emission. In this paper, The mixed powders of CaO, Al2O3, ZrO2, and Al in a certain stoichiometric ratio were used as precursors, and [Ca24Al24.08Zr3.92O64](4+)(4e(-)) blocks were fabricated through in-situ reduction. The synthetic block samples have fewer pores, cracks, and impurities, and the blocks' relative density reaches 99.6%. At the same time, the blocks' cages were injected with high-density electrons during the sintering, and the electron density reached 2 x 10(21) cm(-3). This makes the sample realize the transition from insulation to conductor. In addition, the block's emission current and effective work function is 1.75 A/cm(2) and 2.25 eV, respectively, at 1100 & DEG;C. The research in this paper provides a new way for the low-cost and industrial production of high-quality [Ca24Al24.08Zr3.92O64](4+)(4e(-)).