Field emission arrays fabricated utilizing conjugated ZnO quantum dot/carbon nanotube hybrid nanocomposite

In situ growth of ZnO quantum dots (QDs) on the surface of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) was realized via a mild solution-process method, and their application in field emission device was demonstrated. High resolution transmission electron microscopy observation revealed the conjugation between ZnO QDs and MWCNTs. Field emission arrays based on ZnO QD/MWCNT hybrid nanocomposite exhibited significantly improved luminance intensity and emitting dot density when compared with the MWCNT-only arrays. It is proposed that the introduction of the ZnO QDs on the sidewall of MWCNTs can enhance the tunnelling probability, and result in the improved field emission property for the hybrid emitters. (C) 2010 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.