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The electric field-induced sterling electron emission of NiMn2O4 microporous networks synthesized via the sol-gel auto combustion route was investigated. Some primary characterization techniques such as x-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy were performed to confirm the pure crystallinity and metal oxide (Ni–O and Cr–O) stretching vibrations and also to provide a molecular fingerprint of the NiMn2O4 porous network. The distinct field emission (FE) properties of the NiMn2O4 microporous network was observed which was correlated with an electric field induced electron tunneling F–N (Fowler–Nordheim) model from a nearly planner conducting emitter surface with triangular potential-energy barrier approximation. A low turn-on field of 4.15 V µm−1 and threshold field of 5.25 V µm−1 were detected to draw emission current densities of 1 µA cm−2 and 10 µA cm−2 respectively. The local work function (Φ) of 5.509 eV for the NiMn2O4 porous network was computed using density functional theory (DFT) and it exhibits an impressive field enhancement factor (β) of 3381 with good FE current stability. These results demonstrate the potential application of this material for future vacuum micro/nanoelectronics and FE panel display applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]