title: Enhanced Field Emission from Argon Plasma-Treated Ultra-sharp alpha-Fe(2)O(3) Nanoflakes.
abstract: 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.
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Zheng
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Liao
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Yan
authors.forename: J X
authors.initials: JX
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Hao
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Gong
authors.forename: Z X
authors.initials: ZX
authors.lastname: Shen
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yu