Synthesis and improved electron field emission characteristics of Au-coated nano-carbon needle films

Nano-carbon needle films (NCNFs) coated with a 5-nm Au layer were prepared on p-type Si (100) substrates by means of quartz-tube type microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MWPCVD) at different total gas pressures and an electron beam (EB) method. The NCNF deposited at the total gas pressure of 60 Torr had better field emission (FE) characteristics due to the dense structure of carbon sheets, good direction and high density of carbon needles. The FE properties were obviously improved due to depositing Au thin layer on NCNFs. The FE current density at a macroscopic electric field, E, of 10 V/μm was increased from 68.2 mA/cm2 to 154.6 mA/cm2 and the threshold field was decreased from 2.4 V/μm to 2.1 V/μm for the Au-coated NCNF deposited at the total gas pressure of 60 Torr. The three-region E model was employed to reasonably explain the FE data.

► Nano-carbon needle films (NCNFs) coated with 5-nm Au layer were fabricated.
► Large numbers of nano-Au particles were formed on the Au layer surface.
► The field emission (FE) properties of the Au-deposited NCNF were obviously improved.
► A reasonable explanation of the FE data was given by using the three-region E model.