Sn–ZnO nanoneedles grown on Zn wire as a pointed field emitter and switching device

Abstract

Sn–ZnO nanoneedles were grown by cathodic electrodeposition and an annealing process on Zn wire as a substrate. Scanning electron microscope studies showed the formation of ZnO nanoneedles. From the field emission studies, the field required to draw an emission current density of ~15.2mA/cm2 was observed at an applied field of ~0.14V/μm. In addition, field emission behavior of specimen grown on wire substrate demonstrates the applicability of Sn–ZnO as an electron current source with small optical size and switching device. The observed results suggest the suitability of this synthesis route for fabrication of pointed emitter.