Controllable synthesis and field emission properties of SnO2 zigzag nanobelts

A novel method was developed for synthesizing SnO2 zigzag nanobelts on a silicon substrate with the assistance of CuO powder. The crystalline structure and morphology of SnO2 zigzag nanobelts were characterized using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The growth habits and formation mechanism of the obtained SnO2 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 SnO2 zigzag nanobelts was measured for the first time leading to good performance with a turn-on field of 1.9 V mu m(-1) and a threshold field of 5.1 V mu m(-1).