In-Situ Direct Observation of Carbon Nanotube Synthesis Under Electric Field and Their Field Emission Performance

Here we present the effect of electric fields on the synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and the FE performances of these CNTs. Novel growths and FE measurements were observed in real-time in an environmental transmission electron microscope (ETEM). Individual nanotubes are easily resolved as they appear as extremely straight lines growing parallel to the electric field lines. They are predominantly Single Wall CNTs (SWNT). Growth could be stopped to perform in-situ FE experiments without venting thus allowing the complete evolution of the CNTs to be monitored. This allows important progress in understanding the different destruction mechanisms responsible for the limitations of CNT cathodes.