Synthesis of Sn nanoparticle decorated graphene sheets for enhanced field emission properties

The field emission properties of graphene nanosheets were remarkably improved by decorating their surface with tin (Sn) nanoparticles. The Sn nanoparticles were attached effectively on the surface of graphene via a chemical vapor deposition during graphene oxide reduction procedure. The Sn-decorated graphene (Sn-Gr) sheets showed lower turn-on voltage and higher emission stability compared with pristine graphene. The improved field emission properties of Sn-Gr sheets were mainly attributed to the Sn nanoparticles which increased the field enhancement factor and the density of emission sites. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.