Formation and field emission of patterned zinc oxide-adhering graphene cathodes

Large scale zinc oxide (ZnO)-adhering patterned graphene cathodes were realized by using spin-coating technique, and their field emission characteristics were investigated. The graphene sheets edges are extracted from the hybrid cathode to form emission centers, leading to high field enhancement and low threshold field. The ZnO film improves the interface contact and adhesion of graphene sheets with the electrode and acts as negative feedback resistive layer, which contributes to the uniformity and long-time stability. Our study opens up avenues for application of graphene sheets in field emission device utilizing efficient, large scale, pattern and low-cost technology. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.