Investigation of the effects of atomic oxygen exposure on the electrical and field emission properties of ZnO nanowires

• Published in: Applied surface science Vol. 270; pp. 82 - 89
• Main Authors: Zhao, C.X., Huang, K., Deng, S.Z., Xu, N.S., Chen, Jun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01-04-2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: Atomic oxygen; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Conductivity; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Exposure; Field emission; Nanowires; Ozone; Photoelectron spectroscopy; Physics; Resistivity; Thermal oxidation; Work functions; Zinc oxide; ZnO; 64.75.Lm; 72.80.Ey; Thermal oxidation; Conductivity; ZnO; Field emission; 61.72.uj; 79.70.+q; Oxygen; Inorganic compounds; Transition element compounds; Zinc oxide; Oxidation; Nanowires; Nanostructured materials
• ISSN: 0169-4332; 1873-5584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2012.12.100

► Effects of ozone exposure on the properties of ZnO nanowire were investigated. ► Changes in work function and resistivity of ZnO nanowires were examined. ► Electrical and field emission properties show close dependence on exposure dose. ► A better understanding concerning the effects of oxygen treatment was achieved.
The effects of atomic oxygen exposure on electrical and field emission properties of ZnO nanowires were investigated. It was found that the turn-on field of ZnO nanowires increased after exposure to atomic oxygen. Measurement of electrical conductivity of single nanowire showed that the ozone exposure decreased the conductivity of the ZnO nanowire. Ultra-violet photoelectron spectroscopy results indicated that the ozone exposure increased the work function. Photoluminescence and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results suggested that ozone exposure reduced the oxygen vacancy concentration, which leads to the change in the work function and conductivity. We propose that the change of field emission properties is mainly caused by the changes in the surface work function.