Si–O–C nanotubes from pyrolyzing polycarbosilane in a mesoporous template

Si–O–C nanotubes were produced by pyrolyzing polycarbosilane (PCS) inside cylindrical pores of anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) templates between 900 and 1100 °C. The diameters of these nanotubes were between 250 and 350 nm. The Si–O–C nanotubes were analyzed by SEM, TEM, EDS, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. The nanotubes were composed of a mixture of oxycarbide glass and carbon clusters. The ratio of Si:O:C in the nanotubes was about 1:0.97:3.3. Electron emission of the Si–O–C nanotubes was investigated by the current–voltage characterization at an anode-to-specimen distance of 67 μm. The electric field for obtaining electron emission to a current density of 10−4 A/cm2 from the Si–O–C nanotubes was about 7 V/μm.