Carbon nanotubes synthesized by CVD method on Au/Ni films and the field emission properties

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are prepared on Au/Ni films covered by a mask by the hot filament chemical vapor deposition (HFCVD) method using CH 4 and H 2 as reaction gases, the various thickness ratios of Ni and Au layers in Au/Ni films are deposited on Si (001) substrates by the magnetic sputtering method. The growth behaviors of CNTs on Au/Ni films are investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results indicate that the multi-wall CNTs are formed, and the thickness ratio of Au and Ni layers is responsible to the diameter and electrical properties of synthesized CNTs. Furthermore, the electron field emission from the CNTs present the properties of low threshold voltage and high emission current density compared with those of the CNTs synthesized on pure Ni films, which can be attributed to the formation of nano-sized Au–Ni alloy particles at a suitable thickness ratio of Au and Ni layers in Au/Ni film and rich-hydrogen growth condition, which play an important roles in modifying the growth and electrical properties of CNTs.