Enhanced field emission from printed CNTs by hard hairbrush and electrolytic treatment in NaCl solution

The effects of hard hairbrush and electrolytic treatment on field emission characteristics of the printed carbon nanotubes (CNTs) cathode films were investigated. Significant improvement in emission current density, emission stability and uniformity were achieved for the hard hairbrush- and electrolytic-treated CNTs films. The improved field emission characteristics of CNTs film can be attributed to the CNT surface more actively by removing organic material cover on the CNTs, which dominates initial characteristics of field emission. Besides, the generation of a high density of structural defects and lower resistance contact CNT to the substrate after treatment are all helpful for improving the field emission characteristics of the treated CNTs. It is suggested that hard hairbrush and electrolytic treatment may be a key technology for the commercialization of CNT field emission display.