Field emission characteristics of screen-printed carbon nanotubes cold cathode by hydrogen plasma treatment

► CNTs cathode array was screen-printed by independent slurry. ► RIE etching was carried to expose and align more CNTs on cathode surface. ► Hydrogen plasma treatment was introduced to form nanoparticles on CNT wall. ► RIE etching treatment can effectively decrease operating voltage of CNTs cathode. ► Hydrogen plasma treatment can improve uniformity field emission of CNTs cathode.