Tuneable effects of pyrrolic N and pyridinic N on the enhanced field emission properties of nitrogen-doped graphene

Abstract

, respectively. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that N doping could bring about additional charge and then cause charge aggregation around the N atom. At the same time, it also lowered the work function, which further enhanced the field emission. The doping effect was determined by the content of the pyrrolic-type N and pyridinic-type N. Pyridinic-type N is more favourable for field emission because of its smaller work function, which is in good agreement with the experimental results. This study would be of great benefit to the understanding of N doping modulation for superior field emission properties.