Low threshold field electron emission from solvothermally synthesized WO2.72 nanowires

• Published in: Applied physics. A, Materials science & processing Materials science & processing, 2010-03, Vol.98 (4), p.751-756
• Main Authors: Late, Dattatray J., Kashid, Ranjit V., Sekhar Rout, Chandra, More, Mahendra A., Joag, Dilip S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Condensed Matter Physics; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Diodes; Electron and ion emission by liquids and solids; impact phenomena; Emission; Exact sciences and technology; Field emission; Field emission, ionization, evaporation, and desorption; High vacuum; Machines; Manufacturing; Nanotechnology; Nanowires; Optical and Electronic Materials; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Processes; Quantum mechanics; Stabilization; Surfaces and Interfaces; Thin Films; Thresholds
• ISSN: 0947-8396; 1432-0630
• DOI: 10.1007/s00339-009-5536-0

Field emission studies of WO 2.72 nanowires synthesized by a solvothermal method have been performed in the planar diode configuration under ultra high vacuum conditions. Fowler–Nordheim plots obtained from the current-voltage characteristics follow the quantum mechanical tunneling process and a current density of ∼8.3×10 6  μA/cm 2 can be drawn at an applied electric field of 2 V/μm. The field enhancement factor is 33025, while the turn-on field is only 1.4 V/μm. The emission current-time plot recorded at the pre-set value of emission current of 1 μA over a period of more than 3 h exhibits an initial increase and a subsequent stabilization of the emission current. The results reveal that the WO 2.72 nanowire emitters synthesized by the solvothermal method are promising cathode materials for practical applications.