system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
Why do solar panels use Silicon cells rather than a metal with a lower work function, such as Cesium/Caesium?

Silicon has a work function of 4.05eV, whereas Cesium/Caesium which is 2.1eV. Surely solar panels made with one of the many other metals with a lower work function would produce a higher electrical output?
gpt
Solar cells operate through the photovoltaic effect, work function numbers are for the photoelectric effect which is different. Even if that wasn't a factor, Cesium is very expensive and has the nasty habit of reacting violently with water and igniting spontaneously in air. Additionally, it has a low melting point of 28.5 C so your solar cells would melt in sunlight.