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Degree

Master of Science (MS), Wright State University, Physics, 2011.

Abstract

In this thesis, single and multi-layered graphene films were epitaxially grown on either Si-face or C-face of SiC single crystal substrates. The film growth conditions, such as decomposition temperatures and pressures, and their surface morphologies were optimized. These films were then characterized by using surface analysis tools including SEM, TEM, AFM evanescent wave microscopy and electron educed spectroscopy. In addition to studying graphene decomposed from SiC crystals, carbon nanotube material was fabricated using a floating catalyst technique. These carbon nanotube material was then studied for potential cathode applications in this thesis. Field emission properties of these cathodes was measured and compared between carbon nanotubes grown by the floating catalyst technique and carbon nanotube material fabricated from a super acid solution spinning process. The result found that carbon nanotube material produced from the floating catalyst method supported the highest emission currents. As a result of this research, carbon nanotube field emitters fabricated from this method are now being studied in a wide range of vacuum electronic applications.

Subject Headings

Physics

Keywords

carbon nanotube; field emission; cathode; graphene

Committee / Advisors

Gregory Kozlowski, PhD (Advisor)
Jason Deibel, PhD (Committee Member)
Jerry Clark, PhD (Committee Member)

Pages

97p.

Document number: wright1310148312
Permalink: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1310148312

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