Thermionic emission properties and the work function determination of arrays of conical carbon nanotubes

Thermionic emission properties of conical carbon nanotubes (CCNTs) grown on platinum wires and planar graphite foils were investigated. The work function (Φ) values extracted from the thermionic emission data range from 4.1 to 4.7 eV. The range of Φ values is attributed to the morphological characteristics, such as tip radius, aspect ratio, density, and wall structure of CCNTs. The observed lower values for Φ are significantly smaller than that of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). The reduced Φ values are attributed to field penetration effect as a result of the local field enhancement from these structures having high aspect ratio and an excellent field enhancement factor. The high amplification of the external field at the apex of the nanostructures is capable of reducing both the barrier height and the width, in turn contributing to the improved emission current at lower temperatures. The ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy data of CCNTs grown on Pt wires are in reasonable agreement with the thermionic emission data. The conical carbon nanotubes may be potential candidates for thermionic cathodes with superior performance over conventional cathodes.

► Conical Carbon Nanotubes (CCNT) were synthesized by Microwave Plasma CVD on two types of substrates: Pt wire and graphite foil.
► Field and Thermionic Emission measurements were performed on six CCNT samples.
► Determined values of work function for the CCNTs range from 4.1 eV to 4.7 eV.
► Reduced values of work function could be attributed to electric field penetration model.