Charactrization of ultra-low temperature growth of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on glass substrate for field emission applications

This article presents a novel method for growing multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The proposed method includes use of long zone (long distance between the anode and cathode electrodes) DC-PECVD at an ultra-low temperature. Through this method, the growth of vertically aligned CNTs (VACNT) with high aspect ratio at temperatures as low as 250°C was achieved. This method is based on M. K. Tabatabaei et al paper entitled “Remote and direct plasma regions for low-temperature growth of carbon nanotubes on glass substrates for display applications”. Simulation results proved thermal gradient along the reaction chamber used for low temperature growth. The structure and the properties of the grown CNTs were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Also the electron field emission current was measured for CNTs with different diameters. As a catalyst, a thin layer (15 nm) of Ni was deposited on Indium Tin Oxide/glass substrate. Hydrogen and Acetylene were used as feed gases. Low temperature growth of VACNTs is suitable for low cost productions which enables use of low temperature substrates such as plastics and glass.