Self filling of Ni nanoparticles in amorphous AlN nanotubes and its field emission property

Unique aluminum nitride amorphous nanotubes filled with Ni nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized through the reaction of NH3 over Ni-Al thin filmat 1000 degrees C, which is similar to the extended vapor-liquid-solid technique. The X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopic results are in good agreement with the amorphous nature of AlN nanotubes and crystallinity of Ni nanoparticles. The AlN nanotubes were having average diameter 35 nm and length similar to 4 mu m, whereas the Ni nanoparticles were having 5 nm in diameter. The unique structure showed excellent field emission property and high electrical conductivity similar to 0.43 kmho/m at room temperature. The mechanism of good field emission property has been explained in detail. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.