Field emission properties of large-area flexible emitter based on polyvinyl alcohol–carbon nanotube nanocomposite

A detailed study of promising flexible field emitters based on a nanocomposite polyvinyl alcohol with multiwalled carbon nanotubes was conducted. The properties of the emitter were measured in three configurations: a flat surface, a vertical edge, and a loop. Sample characterization in field emission projectors was accompanied by scanning electron, atomic-force, and Kelvin probe force microscopies as well as Raman spectroscopy. The current load distribution over the surface of the emitters is investigated and current-voltage characteristics are obtained at different levels of cathode high voltage training, including an assessment of temporal current stability as well as the “orthodox” test for compliance field emission data with the classical cold field emission regime. Sufficiently high levels of emission current above 3 mA have been obtained.