Superior field emission performance of graphene/carbon nanofilament hybrids synthesized by electrochemical self-exfoliation

Abstract Graphene/carbon nanofilament (G/CNF) hybrids were synthesized by an electrochemical post-treatment of as-prepared CNFs. After the mild electrochemical exfoliation, the surface of CNFs was partially exfoliated and converted into graphene nanosheets. Field emission measurements for G/CNF hybrids show a low turn-on voltage of 1.34 V/μm and a high field enhancement factor ( β ) of 4930. The extraordinary β is attributed to the strong edge emitter effect of graphene nanosheets based on their high aspect ratio and high surface area.