Metal-Oxygen-Carbon Field Emission Electron Emitter Composition, the Field Emission Cathode Comprising the Same, and the Process for the Production of the Field Emission Cathode

摘要

Metal-oxygen-carbon field emission electron emitter compositions and field emission cathodes made thereform are disclosed. A process for making metal-oxygen-carbon whisker field emitters is also provided, wherein a metal substrate (e.g., tungsten wire) is coated with an organic polymer and heated to a temperature of from about 1100° C. to about 1550° C. in an inert atmosphere for about 15 minutes to about two (2) hours. The heating temperature can be reduced when heating is carried out in the presence of a catalyst, such as a copper-nickel alloy catalyst. The emitter compositions and field emission cathodes of the invention are useful in vacuum electronic applications and devices (e.g., flat panel displays).