Enhanced Field Emission from Argon Plasma-Treated Ultra-sharp alpha-Fe(2)O(3) Nanoflakes.
Hematite nanoflakes have been synthesized by a simple heat oxide method and further treated by Argon plasmas. The effects of Argon plasma on the morphology and crystal structures of nanoflakes were investigated. Significant enhancement of field-induced electron emission from the plasma-treated nanoflakes was observed. The transmission electron microscopy investigation shows that the plasma treatment effectively removes amorphous coating and creates plenty of sub-tips at the surface of the nanoflakes, which are believed to contribute the enhancement of emission. This work suggests that plasma treatment technique could be a direct means to improve field-emission properties of nanostructures.
Zheng
Z
Z
Liao
L
L
Yan
B
B
Zhang
J X
JX
Gong
Hao
H
Shen
Z X
ZX
Yu
T
T