The patterned electron field emission of printed carbon nanotube films by image transfer technology

The patterned electron field emission of printed carbon nanotube (PCNT) films using image transfer technology is reported. If we transfer an image to the surface of PCNT films, such as using a stamp, the emission image of PCNT films will be the transferred pattern. Based on many experiments, we are convinced that the essential feature of pattern emission from PCNT films by image transfer technology is the great emission enhancement of the image transferred area and the reduced emission from the raw area. According to the results from field emission scanning electron microcopy (FESEM), we suggest that the connecting CNT bundles protruding from the substrate result in the emission enhancement of the image transferred area. At the same time, the emission current increase causes the external and internal voltage drop to increase which results in a decrease in the emission from the untreated area. Using image transfer technology, a well-resolved emission image of PCNT films could easily be obtained without any post-treatment.