The reliability improvements of carbon nanotubes emitters by utilizing an Fe-Ti codeposited catalyst

Abstract

In this report, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) partially immersed into the codeposited metal layer have been synthesized by utilizin- an Fe-Ti codeposited catalyst in a thermal -chemical vapor deposition system. This structure could enlarge the contact area between CNTs and substrates to provide better adhesion properties than that in the case of CNTs synthesized from a pure Fe film. Therefore, an abrupt decrease in emission current due to mechanical destruction at a high electric field and a gradual degradation in emission current due to Joule heating were remarkably suppressed. A stable emission current of about 30mA/cm(2) at 7.7 V/mu m for 2,500 s was obtained without obvious degradation.