Organic semiconductor nanowires for field emission

Field emission of organic semiconductor nanowires has been demonstrated for the first time. Tris-(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (AlQ(3)) nanowires were grown on an indium tin oxide coated substrate by vapor condensation. The nanowires exhibit a low turn-on field of 10.0 V mum(-1) and a maximum current density of about similar to 15 mA cm(-2). A stable emission current can be achieved, indicating applications in field emission.