Field Electron Emission from Carbon Nanotube/ZnO Composite Films Prepared by Electrodeposition

Abstract

Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT)/ZnO composite films were fabricated by electrodeposition using water-soluble MWNTs prepared by a high-speed vibration milling (HSVM) technique. Raman scattering spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed that the MWNTs were incorporated into the ZnO films in different manners depending on the deposition temperature. Field emission (FE) of electrons from the MWNT/ZnO films was investigated with a conventional FE device and a side-electron emission device (SEED). The MWNTs embedded horizontally in the ZnO films exhibited superior FE characteristics with luminance beyond 4000 cd/m 2 for the SEED.