Mechanism of the Field Emission of Electrons in Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

A new interpretation of the emission properties of carbon nanotubes is presented using the theory of electron conjugation. The presence of emission molecular states in the energy spectrum of carbon nanotubes, characterized by specific localization of electron density on the end surfaces of carbon nanotubes, is explained from the viewpoint of the concepts of in-plane and ρ-electron conjugation. Based on an analysis of the behavior of emission molecular orbitals in a constant electric field, it is concluded that such localization of electron density is the physical basis for electron emission. It is established that this approach describes known experimental and theoretical results well and can be used to predict the emission properties of a wide range of objects.