Triple layered core-shell structure with surface fluorinated ZnO-carbon nanotube composites and its electron emission properties

▸ The effects of CF4 plasma on ZnO-CNT core-shell structures were studied. ▸ ZnO was effective in protecting the aligned CNTs core for as long as 30 min of plasma etching. ▸ SEM showed the surface morphology was nearly similar between pristine, 2 min and 30 min plasma etched specimens. ▸ F was observed to displace O in ZnO. ▸ This is the first report of an ultra long plasma etch of fluorine onto ZnO surface.