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Published on: November 5, 2019
Stable electron field emission from PMMA-CNT matrices.
Archana Pandey1, Abhishek Prasad, Jason P Moscatello
1Department of Physics, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan 49931, United States.
We developed advanced poly(methyl methacrylate)-carbon nanotube (PMMA-CNT) matrices for superior electron field emission. These novel materials exhibit significantly lower turn-on voltage and high emission site density, demonstrating excellent stability for electronic applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Physics
Background:
- Vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (VA-MWCNTs) are promising for field emission applications.
- Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is a common polymer matrix material.
- Improving the field emission properties of CNT-based materials is an active research area.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create and characterize PMMA-CNT matrices embedding opened-tip VA-MWCNTs.
- To evaluate the electron field emission performance of these novel matrices.
- To understand the underlying mechanisms responsible for enhanced emission properties.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of PMMA-CNT matrices by embedding opened-tip VA-MWCNTs within a PMMA matrix.
- Measurement of electron field emission properties, including threshold field and emission site density.
- Assessment of emission stability over extended periods.
- Theoretical simulation and hypothetical modeling to elucidate performance factors.
Main Results:
- The PMMA-CNT matrices demonstrated excellent electron field emission.
- An emission threshold field of 1.675 V/μm was achieved, more than twofold lower than the as-grown sample.
- High emission site density was observed, covering the entire sample surface.
- Continuous emission stability testing at ~1.35 mA/cm² for 40 hours showed no significant degradation.
Conclusions:
- The developed PMMA-CNT matrices offer superior electron field emission performance.
- Enhanced performance is attributed to reduced screening effects and minimized Joule heating due to shorter electron transport distances in MWCNTs.
- These findings highlight the potential of PMMA-CNT matrices for advanced electron emission devices.
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