Effect of surface O 2 adsorption on the field emission performances of LaB 6 nanowires

Lanthanum hexaboride (LaB 6 ) nanowires have attracted much attention due to their outstanding physical properties. In order to enhance the developments of LaB 6 nanowires, it is essential to study the field emission (FE) properties of LaB 6 nanowires in different environments. Here, we investigate the effect of oxygen (O 2 ) on the FE behaviors of LaB 6 nanowires. And it is found that the oxygen content attaching on the surface of LaB 6 nanowires strongly affect their FE properties.