Effect of functionalization on the electrical properties of laser-structured hybrid carbon nanomaterials

Abstract

Background and Objectives: An urgent task of field emission electronics is to reduce the operating voltage in order to obtain an emission current of a given density. To solve this problem, an emitter with a low work function is needed. Carbon nanomaterials are promising candidates for the role of field emitters; however, to reduce the work function of electrons from these nanomaterials, it is necessary to functionalize their surface with other nanostructures with a low work function. In this work, we experimentally studied the effect of functionalization of lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) with nanoparticles on the electrical properties of nanomaterials based on an array of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Materials and Methods: Using the developed technology of laser exposure, a hybrid nanomaterial was created based on a vertical array of CNTs functionalized with LaB6 nanoparticles. Pulsed laser action on an array of CNTs with an energy density of 0.15 J/cm2 made it possible to shorten, align, and structure the upper ends of the nanotubes perpendicular to the substrate. Results: The effect of the formation of a hybrid nanostructure by binding LaB6 nanoparticles to the CNT surface has been experimentally established. Registration of the emission current-voltage characteristics of hybrid nanomaterials has shown a decrease in the total work function of the hybrid nanomaterial by 78% after functionalization with LaB6 nanoparticles. Conclusion: Based on the results obtained, it is predicted that CNT+LaB6 hybrid nanostructures have a great potential for application as nanomaterials for field emission electronics.

Keywords

• field emission electronics
• carbon nanotubes
• graphene
• lab6 nanoparticles
• laser action