LaB6 and TiB2 electrodes for the alkali metal thermoelectric converter (AMTEC) were prepared from the respective powders by a screen-printing method and their electrode properties were investigated. Optimum values were obtained for particle size, thickness and porosity of electrode. When the vacuum level of the low-temperature side of the AMTEC increased above 10 Pa, the power density decreased remarkably. These results can be interpreted as different electrode processes in the AMTEC: (1) a charge transfer process, (2) surface diffusion on the electrode, (3) desorption from electrode particles, and (4) vapour-phase diffusion in the electrode pore. The maximum power density was 0.54 W cm(-2) (LaB6) and 0.24 W cm(-2) (TiB2) at 800 degrees C. (C) 1998 Chapman & Hall.