Microstructure and field emission properties of coral-like carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Coral-like carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been synthesized by using chemical vapor deposition. Unlike conventional CNTs, the as-deposited CNT consisted of a high density of interlaced graphitic nanoflakes of about 5 nm in thickness. The CNTs had a bamboo-like internal structure with their outer walls consisting of many open graphite layers, and the nanoflakes stemming from the “bamboo knots.” The growth mechanism of CNTs was discussed. The field emission characteristics of CNT films showed a turn-on field as low as 4 V/μm. This special CNT might extend mechanical and electronic properties and applications of the CNTs.