Abstract
ZnO nanorods hold promise as cathode materials for field electron emission (FEE) applications, yet their high work function and wide bandgap can hinder performance. Recent research has focused on utilizing Cu nanoparticles (NPs) to decorate and modify the FEE properties of these nanorods, leveraging Cu's low work function and excellent conductivity. In this study, ZnO nanorods were synthesized on diamond substrates via the sol method to create ZnO/microcrystalline diamond (MCD) composite structures. Subsequently, Cu NPs were decorated onto the nanorods using a gel method. The influence of Cu NP concentration on the organization and FEE performance of the composites was investigated. The decorated of Cu NPs can improve the Fermi energy level of the nanorods, replenish electrons lost on the surface due to oxygen adsorption, and improve the field emission performance. With the increase of doping concentration, Cu NPs increase, and when the doping concentration is 0.5 M, NPs appear agglomeration phenomenon, resulting in that the surface of ZnO nanorods is almost completely covered by bulk Cu NPs, and the field emission performance decreases. The minimum value of the turn-on electric field is 0.48 V/μm and the maximum value of the current density is 1.60 mA/cm2, when the decorated concentration is 0.25 M.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call