Field emission of different oriented carbon nanotubes

Field emission data from aligned high-density carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with orientations parallel, 45°, and perpendicular to the substrate have been obtained. The large-area uniformly distributed CNTs were synthesized on smooth nickel substrates via dc plasma-assisted hot filament chemical vapor deposition. CNTs with diameters in the range of 100-200 nm were employed in this study. The different orientations were obtained by changing the angle between the substrate and the electrical field direction. The growth mechanism for the alignment and orientation control of CNTs has been discussed. The CNTs oriented parallel to the substrate have a lower onset applied field than those oriented perpendicular to the substrate. This result indicates that electrons can emit from the body of the CNT, which means that the CNT can be used as a linear emitter. The small radius of the tube wall and the existence of defects are suggested as the reasons for the emission of electrons from the body of the tubes.