Influence of growth time on field emission properties from carbon nanotubes deposited on arrayed nanoporous silicon pillars

► We synthesized a composite structure-MWCNTs deposited on a silicon nanoporous pillar array. ► The influence of growth time on field emission properties was investigated. ► The sample grown for a middle time showed the best field emission performance. ► The nest array structure would result in a great enhancement factor. ► The medium CNTs density could avoid electrostatic shielding, along with a high emitter density.