V2O5 precursor-templated synthesis of textured nanoparticles based VN nanofibers and their exploration as efficient field emitter

• Nitridation of V2O5 nanofibers results in textured VN nanofibers.
• Turn-on field of 3.4 V/μm has been found for the emission current density of 10 μA/cm2.
• Stable emission current for the preset value of 5 μA has been recorded for the period of 2 h.

Textured Vanadium Nitride (VN) nanofibers are prepared from hydrothermally derived V2O5 nanofibers by NH3 reduction and nitridation approach. The reaction temperature is seen to be a crucial parameter to prepare pure VN phase. VN produced via this route has distinctive structural characteristics. The crystal structure, morphology, and oxidation states of the elements of VN nanofibers are characterized by XRD, FESEM, TEM, HRTEM, and XPS studies. Field emission properties for these textured VN nanofibers have been explored. The field emission properties show the reproducible turn-on field of 3.4 V/μm for the emission current density of 10 μA/cm2. The observed turn-on field is found to be quite superior compare to carbide, nitride and oxide nanostructures. High emission current density of 44 μA/cm2 has been found at a field of 4 V/μm. Emission current stability for the preset current of 5 μA has been recorded for the period of 2 h. Present results indicate the considerable potential for the utilizing VN nanofibers as a cold cathode in the field emitter devices.