Electron field emission of carbon nanotubes on carbon felt

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) synthesized directly onto carbon felt have been investigated as electron field emission electrodes. This CNT/felt composite was prepared using the decomposition of methanol on metal catalyst supported on carbon felt. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the microstructure of the films. Electron field emission was observed at macroscopic field as low as 0.45 V μm−1 and it was controlled by the CNT assembled on the felt. In addition, the emission current was found to be very stable with time.