Growth Mechanism and Field Emission Properties of Nickel Nanocones Array Fabricated by One-Step Electrodeposition

Large-scale nickel nanocones array are synthesized by a one-step electrodeposition method without any template. The size and apex angle of nanocone can be controlled by changing the current density and deposition time. The mechanism of the formation of nanocones array morphology has been discussed. This nanocones array shows very good field emission properties with low turn-on field of 5-6.7 V/mu m (corresponding to an emission current of 1 mu A) and large currents of 155-206 mu A. The shape and density of the nanocones significantly affect the field emission properties. (C) 2010 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/1.3499352] All rights reserved.