Abstract
The graphitic nanocarbon allotropes-namely, the fullerenes, graphene, and carbon nanotubes-have attracted significant attention from academia and industry given their useful and controllable optoelectronic properties. Here we provide an up-to-date overview of the growth, alignment, manufacture, and function of engineered carbon nanotube-based electron field emission devices. Recent technological developments in chemical vapor deposition reactor design now allow for the low-cost, en masse production of well-aligned, reproducible carbon nanotubes. For the first time, nanoengineered, functionally enhanced devices can be viably manufactured, whose operation depends critically on both the electronic character and nanotube array geometries. Electron emission is pervasive and central to a wide range of technologies. We conclude by discussing various field emission applications using carbon nanotubes, including parallel electron beam lithography systems, X-ray sources, and displays.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Title of host publication | Emerging Nanotechnologies for Manufacturing (2nd ed.) |
Publisher | Pergamon/Elsevier Science |
Pages | 125-186 |
Number of pages | 62 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780323289900 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780323296434 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2014 |
Keywords
- Carbon nanotubes
- Chemical vapor deposition
- CVD
- Displays
- Field emission
- Gas ionization sensors
- Microwave sources
- Parallel electron beam lithography
- X-ray sources
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Engineering