Field emission from ZnO nanostructures prepared by electrodeposition

Abstract

ZnO nanostructures were synthesised on nickel metallic wires using electrodeposited method in a mixed solution of zinc nitrate [Zn(NO3)2] and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used for characterisation. The XRD patterns revealed the formation of a wurtzite phase of ZnO only. The SEM images showed that the formation of ZnO nanostructures could be adjusted by increasing the electrolyte concentration. Field emission measurements demonstrated that ZnO nanopillars with befitting density exhibited the lowest turn on field and the highest current density. The ZnO nanostructures with field emission performance may have potentials in the future of vacuum electronic devices.