Enhanced field emission performance of MXene–TiO2 composite films

Abstract

A facile method to produce an MXene–TiO₂ composite is demonstrated for enhanced field emission display applications. The field emission performance of two-dimensional free-standing and linear-shaped field emitters has been systematically investigated and enhanced electron emission behaviors (e.g. emission current, stability and emission patterns) are achieved by compositing MXene and TiO₂ nanowires. The relationship between the emission current density, electric field and anode-cathode gap distance is studied and the emitters, especially the cross-section of the composite film, show good performance. The emission current from the cross-section of the composite film can reach 289 mA cm⁻², which is the best result of the state of the art compared to single MXene and TiO₂ nanowires. We have also reported a triboelectric nanogenerator powered by free-standing MXene–TiO₂ composite emitters, implying the feasibility of the self-powering field emission devices and possibly enlarging the applications of cold emitters in various fields.