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Electrochemical Etching and Characterization of Sharp Field Emission Points for Electron Impact Ionization
Published on: July 12, 2016
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Nanoshaping field emitters from glassy carbon sheets: a new functionality induced by H-plasma etching
S Gay1, S Orlanducci2, D Passeri3
1Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome, Italy and HORIBA Italia S.r.l., Viale Luca Gaurico 209/211, Rome, Italy.
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|October 11, 2016
Summary
Hydrogen plasma treatment transforms glassy carbon (GC) plates into efficient electron emission devices by creating nanostructures. These nanostructured GC materials show promise for cold cathodes in extreme environments.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Surface Science
- Plasma Physics
Background:
- Glassy carbon (GC) is a versatile material with potential applications in electron emission.
- Controlling surface morphology at the nanoscale is crucial for enhancing material properties.
- Plasma-based methods offer precise control over surface engineering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphological and electrical properties of GC surfaces after plasma treatment.
- To characterize the field emission (FE) behavior of nanostructured GC.
- To explore the potential of plasma-engineered GC for cold cathode applications.
Main Methods:
- Dual-mode microwave-radio frequency (MW-RF) plasma reactor for hydrogen-induced surface modification.
- Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) with electrical force and surface potential measurement capabilities.
- Analysis of field emission characteristics and Fowler-Nordheim law compliance.
Main Results:
- Plasma treatment created vertically aligned, conically shaped nanostructures on GC surfaces.
- Nanostructure density and height were dependent on plasma conditions.
- Field emission measurements confirmed efficient electron emission, following the Fowler-Nordheim law.
- Correlations were established between nanoscale morphology and FE properties.
Conclusions:
- Plasma-based surface engineering effectively transforms conventional GC plates into efficient electron emission devices.
- The nanostructured GC exhibits excellent field emission properties.
- These materials are suitable for fabricating cold cathodes for harsh environments and extreme conditions.
