Enhanced field emission properties from aligned graphenes fabricated on micro-hole patterned stainless steel

The graphene emitters on micro-hole patterned stainless steel (SUS304) were prepared using electrophoresis method. The field emission property of three-dimensional graphene emitters was enhanced remarkably compared to that of graphene on flat substrates. The turn-on and threshold fields of the patterned emitter were, respectively, 4.8 and 5.6V mu m(-1) lower than those of graphene on flat SUS304 (turn on field is 5.6 V mu m(-1)). The micro-hole patterned cathode provides 10 times higher current density due to vertical aligned sharp edges of graphene in micro holes, and this design may open a potential way to layered-nanomertial-based cold cathodes. (c) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.