Growth of carbon nanotubes and nanowires from amorphous carbon films by plasma-enhanced hot filament chemical vapor deposition

Carbon nanowires and nanotubes were directly synthesized from amorphous carbon films deposited on silicon substrate in a plasma-enhanced hot filament chemical vapor deposition system. The morphologies and structures of the synthesized carbon nanowires and nanotubes were studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy. According to the characterization results, the formation models of carbon nanowires and nanotubes were suggested. In addition, the characteristic of electron field emission from carbon nanowires and nanotubes was measured in the condition of high vacuum. The result of electron field emission exhibits that the current density is 1.7 mA/cm2 at 6.2 V/μm. The high current density suggests that they can serve as effective electron field emission sources for numerous applications.

► CNTs and carbon nanowires (CNWs) were directly grown from carbon film by PEHFCVD.
► Growth models of CNTs and CNWs were suggested.
► Specimen exhibits a good electron field emission characteristic.