Field emission of carbon nanotubes on Mo tip

Abstract Field emission characteristics of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were investigated. CNTs were produced by the catalytic decomposition of ethylene on nickel films, which were electroplated onto Mo tips. The SEM images showed that CNTs were quite uniform and disordered; the average diameter is about 100 nm. The measurements were carried out in a diode configuration. As a result, the CNTs showed typical voltage–current characteristics, which qualitatively followed the conventional Fowler–Nordheim equation. In conclusion, CNTs are excellent field emission cathode materials with stable and reproducible field emission characteristics and a lower onset field, which is up to 0.9 V/ μ m.