Field Emission of Electrons from Graphitic Nanofibers Produced in a Hydrogen Arc Discharge

Abstract

Graphitic nanofibers (named “nanografibers”), which have a structure similar to that of multiwall carbon nanotubes but an extremely narrow (or practically absent) hollow channel, were produced by an electric arc discharge in hydrogen gas. Field emission from nanografibers was investigated using a field emission microscope with a probe hole. Nanografibers exhibited a lower onset voltage and higher current density in comparison with ordinary multiwall nanotubes prepared in helium gas. The emission characteristics are argued to originate from the morphology and structure of the nanografibers.