Improving the field-emission properties of carbon nanotubes by magnetically controlled nickel-electroplating treatment

A novel magnetically controlled Ni-plating method has been developed to improve the field-emission properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The effect of the magnetic field and Ni-electroplating on CNT field-emission properties was investigated, and the results are demonstrated using scanning electron microscopy, J—E and the duration test. After treatment, the turn-on electric field declines from 1.55 to 0.91 V/μm at an emission current density of 100 μA/cm2, and the emission current density increases from 0.011 to 0.34 mA/cm2 at an electric field of 1.0 V/μm. Both the brightness and uniformity of the CNT emission performance are improved after treatment.