SWNT–SOG composite for transparent field emission device

A transparent field emission device based on the composite of purified single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and spin-on glass (SOG) was developed. Highly crystalline SWNTs were synthesized in situ on a tin-oxide-coated glass using the arc discharge method. A simple purification step by oxidation proved to be an effective process in enhancing the transparency and pureness of the SWNT film. The transparent SOG–SWNT composite was then formed by spin coating SOG on the SWNT film. The field emission device showed a maximum current density of 0.1 mA cm −2 and a low turn-on field emission of 1.6 V μm −1 with a high field enhancement factor of 1.5×10 5 cm −1.