Controllable synthesis and field emission properties of SnO2zigzag nanobelts

A novel method was developed for synthesizing SnO 2 zigzag nanobelts on a silicon substrate with the assistance of CuO powder. The crystalline structure and morphology of SnO 2 zigzag nanobelts were characterized using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The growth habits and formation mechanism of the obtained SnO 2 zigzag nanobelts were discussed in detail based on a series of experimental results. The optical property was evaluated by room temperature photoluminescence spectra. Field emission properties of SnO 2 zigzag nanobelts was measured for the first time leading to good performance with a turn-on field of 1.9 V µm −1 and a threshold field of 5.1 V µm −1 .