Zinc oxide nanostructure decorated amorphous carbon nanotubes: An improved field emitter

Amorphous carbon nanotubes (aCNTs), synthesized through a low-temperature simple method have been decorated with chemically synthesized different zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures like nanocones and nanoflowers. The as-prepared samples have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). It has been found that attachment of ZnO nanostructure can effectively enhance the field electron emission properties of the aCNTs. Modification with ZnO nanoflower-like structure can reduce the turn-on field of aCNTs from 8.91 to 3.64 V/μm. The results have been explained in terms of increased roughness which in-turn led to large enhancement of the local electric field and thus facilitated electron emission from this hybrid emitter.

Graphical abstractZinc oxide nanostructures modified amorphous carbon nanotubes show much improved field emission property.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Amorphous carbon nanotubes (aCNTs) have been synthesized chemically. ► The walls of the aCNTs have been anchored by ZnO nanostructures for the first time. ► It is seen for the first time that ZnO modified aCNTs show much better field emission property.