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Simultaneous Synthesis of Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene in a Magnetically-enhanced Arc Plasma
Published on: February 2, 2012
Field emission from a selected multiwall carbon nanotube.
M Passacantando1, F Bussolotti, S Santucci
1Dipartimento di Fisica, Università degli Studi dell'Aquila and INFN and CNR-INFM Laboratorio Regionale CASTI, Via Vetoio, 67010 Coppito (AQ), Italy.
Nanotechnology
|August 12, 2011
Summary
Investigating electron field emission from multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) using a nanomanipulation system revealed stable emission currents. These findings are crucial for developing advanced electron sources.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Electron field emission from carbon nanomaterials is critical for vacuum electronic devices.
- Precise characterization of individual nanostructures is essential for understanding their emission properties.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) offers high-resolution imaging but often requires specialized setups for in-situ electrical measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the electron field emission characteristics of individual multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs).
- To precisely evaluate geometric parameters influencing field emission.
- To explore the impact of electron beam irradiation on MWCNT field emission.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a piezoelectric nanomanipulation system within a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) chamber.
- Precisely controlled and measured geometric parameters: MWCNT length, diameter, and anode-cathode separation.
- Applied a modified Fowler-Nordheim model to analyze voltage-dependent emission currents.
Main Results:
- Achieved reproducible and stable electron emission currents from individual MWCNTs.
- Determined a turn-on field of approximately 30 V/µm.
- Evaluated a field enhancement factor of around 100 at micrometer-scale anode-cathode separations.
- Observed significant effects of selective electron beam irradiation on emission capabilities.
Conclusions:
- Individual MWCNTs exhibit promising and stable field emission properties suitable for advanced applications.
- The employed nanomanipulation system enables precise characterization of field emission parameters.
- Electron beam irradiation can be used to modify and potentially enhance nanotube field emission performance.
