Carbon nanotube technology replaces LCD and plasma screens

Researchers from University of Latvia, University College Cork, Trinity College Dublin, University of London and Mid Sweden University have just published work to characterize the conductive and field emission properties of single and multi walled carbon nanotubes. The report published in a special edition of the open access journal states that Europe is leading as an international leader in the design, synthesis, growth, characterisation and application of nanotubes, nanowires and nanotube arrays for industrial technology. It is highly believed that field emission flat screen displays (FED-TV) will replace today's hugely popular LCD and plasma screens.

flat screen displays

The research shows that the conductive and field emission properties of individual single and multi-walled carbon tubes can be accessed with the use of an in-situ transmission electron microscope-scanning tunnelling microscope (TEM-STM) technique. With the use of chemical vapor and supercritical fluid deposition techniques, these nanotubes can be increased. The experimental field emission characteristics for all carbon nanotubes are fitted into the Fowler-Nordheim equation with different work functions.

It means that conductivity and field emission properties are dependent on the structure of nanotube. The structure of outer layers are filled with C60 molecules and it will determine the properties of carbon nanotube. This shows that soon nanotubes can bring the next generation of flat panel televisions in your rooms and offices.

Iamge: Wired