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Polymer-nanotube composite mats with improved field emission performance and stability
E Stratakis1, E Kymakis, E Spanakis
1Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL), Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, 711 10 Crete, Greece. stratak@iesl.forth.gr
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|October 20, 2009
Summary
Adding poly(3-octylthiophene) (P3OT) to single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) films optimizes field emission stability. A critical SWCNT-P3OT concentration enhances performance by improving stability with minimal threshold increase.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are promising field emitters.
- Controlling SWCNT film morphology is crucial for optimizing electron emission.
- Semiconducting polymers offer potential for modifying SWCNT properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate electron field emission from SWCNT mats integrated with poly(3-octylthiophene) (P3OT) composite films.
- To evaluate the effect of SWCNT-P3OT ratio and film structure on field emission characteristics.
- To understand the underlying mechanisms of enhanced stability in composite field emitters.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of SWCNT mats on various composite films with different SWCNT-P3OT ratios.
- Testing three distinct structural configurations: SWCNT mats on Si, SWCNT mats on composite films, and composite films on Si.
- Characterization of field emission properties, including emission threshold and stability.
Main Results:
- A critical concentration of SWCNT-P3OT was identified, significantly improving field emission stability.
- Enhanced stability was achieved with only a minor reduction in the emission threshold compared to pristine SWCNT films.
- The study evaluated the impact of composite film morphology and polymer-nanotube interactions on emission performance.
Conclusions:
- Composite films of SWCNTs and P3OT offer a viable strategy for enhancing field emission stability.
- Optimizing the SWCNT-P3OT ratio and understanding film morphology are key to maximizing field emitter performance.
- The findings provide insights into the physical mechanisms governing the stability of polymer-nanotube composite field emitters.
