Electron field emission properties of carbon nanotubes-deposited flexible film

Summary form only given. A carbon nanotubes-deposited flexible film was prepared by electrophoretic method. A polyimide film coated with Titanium 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 nanotubes particles, Mg(NO/sub 3/)/sub 2/ 6H/sub 2/O and isopropylalcohol (IPA). Mixed solution was stirred for about 2-4 hours to assure the complete dissolution of Mg(NO/sub 3/)/sub 2/ 6H/sub 2/O and the dispersion of carbon nanotubes particles. DC electric field was applied to the two electrodes. The anode voltage was about 100V. After 1-2 minutes, the carbon nanotubes particles were deposited on the polyimide film coated with Titanium. The electron field emission properties of the prepared thin film were tested by a diode mechanism. The turn-on field of the flexible film was about 2.96V//spl mu/m. The current density of the flexible film was about 200/spl mu/A/cm/sup 2/ at an electric field of 5.9V//spl mu/m. The morphology and structure of the carbon nanotubes-deposited flexible 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.