The field-emission and current-voltage characteristics of individual W5O14 nanowires

The field-emission and current-voltage characteristics of individual W5O14 nanowires were studied using a transmission electron microscope and a field-emission microscope. The individual W5O14 nanowires made good ohmic contacts with W and Pt at room temperature and had excellent field-emission properties. The field-emission measurements showed that a current as high as 35 mu A can be extracted from a single nanowire. A reduced angular current density of 28.7 nAsr(-1)V(-1) was obtained from a W5O14 nanowire with a sharp tip. These results suggest that W(5)O(14)nanowires might be a realistic candidate as the source for a low-energy electron beam.