Efficient field emission from highly aligned, graphitic nanotubes embedded with gold nanoparticles

By utilizing highly aligned graphitic nanotubes embedded with gold nanoparticles an efficient field-emission device can be constructed. These have been synthesized by first preparing composite nanotubes consisting of poly(p-phenylenevinylene) and Au nanoparticles by chemical vapor deposition polymerization, followed by carbonization. The Figure shows transmission electron microscopy images of these nanotubes.