Electron emission properties of free-standing thin film

Summary form only given. A free-standing thin film was prepared by electrophoretic method. A polyimide film coated with Ti was used as a cathode and a stainless steel plate as an anode, respectively. The two electrodes were placed into a bath with solvent consisting of fine carbon nano-tube particles, Mg(NO₃)₂ 6H₂O and isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Mixed solution was stirred for about 2-4 hours to assure the complete dissolution of Mg(NO₃)₂ 6H₂O and the dispersion of carbon nano-tube particles. DC electric field was applied to the two electrodes. The anode voltage was about 100V. After 1-2 minutes, the carbon nano-tube particles were deposited on the polyimide film coated with Ti, and a free-standing film was prepared. The electron field emission properties of the prepared thin film were tested by a diode mechanism. The turn-on field of the thin film was about 2.96V/μm. The current density of the thin film was about 200μA/cm² at an electric field of 5.9V/μm. The morphology and structure of the thin film were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy. The experimental results indicate that this film "could be a promising material applicable to cold cathodes.