Efficient field emission properties of ZnO (core)/graphite (shell) nanowires

In this work the field emission studies of a new type of field emitter, zinc oxide (ZnO) core/graphitic (g-C) shell nanowires are presented. The nanowires are synthesized by chemical vapor deposition of zinc acetate at 1300 °C Scanning and transmission electron microscopy characterization confirm high aspect ratio and novel core–shell morphology of the nanowires. Raman spectrum of the nanowires mat represents the characteristic Raman modes from g-C shell as well as from the ZnO core. A low turn on field of 2.75 V/μm and a high current density of 1.0 mA/cm2 at 4.5 V/μm for ZnO/g-C nanowires ensure the superior field emission behavior compared to the bare ZnO nanowires.

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► Field emission of a new type of emitter ZnO/g-C core–shell nanowires is studied.
► Significant improvement in field emission due to core–shell morphology is discussed.
► Low turn on field 2.75 V/μm, high current density 1.0 mA/cm2 at 4.5 V/μm is achieved.