High current field emission from carbon nanofiber films grown using electroplated Ni catalyst

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) with various structures were synthesized using electroplated nickel catalysts on diverse metal buffer layers via hot-filament chemical-vapor-deposition method. High-density thick CNFs were grown on copper and gold buffer layers whereas low-density thin CNFs were grown on chromium and titanium buffer layers. All CNFs revealed solid structure without hollow cores, and graphitic platelets of CNFs consisted of a mixed structure of stacked and herringbone arrangement. CNF films grown on gold buffer layers showed high-emission-current density and temporal stability: 170mA∕cm2 at 7.3V∕μm, and 10.3% fluctuation over 10 h at the current density of 6mA∕cm2, respectively.