Improved field emission from Cs coated carbon nanotubes

Abstract

In this paper, we present the development of CNT based Field Emitter arrays by Electrophoresis method using CsI as surface modifying element. The electron emission increased as well as the turn on field reduced to greater extent. When compared to cathode of same dimensions without cesium iodide, the emission current increased 7 times with the field 3 times less. From the Fowler-Nordheim plots a reduction in work function from 4.8 to 2.8eV has been observed in CsI coated CNT Field Emitter (FE) compared to un-coated CNT FE. The improved adhesion to the substrate and structure stability was also observed in this method.