Effect of surface O2 adsorption on the field emission performances of LaB6 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.