Characterization of field-electron emission from carbon nanofibers grown on Pd wire

Abstract

Field-electron emission from carbon nanofibers (CNFs) on Pd wires of 50μm in diameter was extensively studied in ultrahigh vacuum ambience by measuring current–voltage curves and stability over time. The CNFs, grown by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition, were aligned perpendicular to the wire and were topped with a faceted single crystal of Pd. The emission from the CNFs was characterized by remarkable stability over a long time (600 h), and exhibited a maximum current of I=1.3mA. The maximum current corresponds to a current density of J≅0.6A∕cm2 when estimated considering only the geometrical emitting area.