Fabrication of carbon nanotubes from conducting polymer precursor as field emitter

Carbon nanotubes with an average diameter of 50 nm were produced from polypyrrole nanotubes fabricated with a surfactant mediated microemulsion polymerization. A simple production of polypyrrole nanotube precursor was possible through a proper selection of surfactant and initiator in microemulsion system. A subsequent thermal treatment of conducting polymer precursor generated novel carbon nanotubes. Electron microscopy images confirmed the successful formations of polypyrrole and carbon nanotubes. A series of carbon nanotube pastes were formulated with combination of binders and fillers. The field emission characteristic of these carbon nanotubes was monitored by I–V curves. Constant current tests revealed the lifetime of carbon nanotube field emitters derived from polypyrrole nanotubes.