Cold Cathode Surface Treatment Using Liquid Glue for Field Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surface treating methods for cold cathodes using sticky tape are ineffective due to temperature sensitivity, residual residue, and air bubbles, which reduce the emitting current and uniformity of carbon nanotubes, necessitating a more reliable method to improve field emission properties.
Innovation Solution
A method involving applying liquid glue to the cold cathode, allowing it to cure and then removing it, which enables carbon nanotubes to stand upright without temperature control issues, ensuring close contact and minimizing residual glue, thereby enhancing field emission uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If heating temperature is increased to remove organic solvent, then solvent removal is improved, but carbon nanotubes may be damaged or stick to heating elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high temperature (conventional method) to low temperature (below 100°C) drying process, allowing solvent removal while preserving carbon nanotube integrity and preventing sticking to heating elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal field (heating) with a chemical field (organic solvent-based binding material that cures at low temperature), eliminating the need for high temperature treatment and associated risks
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional screen-printing method is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but carbon nanotubes are covered by binding materials reducing emission properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a release agent before screen-printing the binding material, creating a preliminary protective layer that prevents the binding material from adhering to carbon nanotubes, ensuring they remain exposed for emission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a release agent as an intermediary substance between the binding material and carbon nanotubes, allowing the binding material to be applied while preventing it from covering or damaging the carbon nanotubes
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method simplifies the surface treatment process, ensures upright carbon nanotubes without air bubbles, and improves field emission properties by allowing more nanotubes to be exposed, increasing the emitting current and uniformity of the cold cathode.
Implementation Method 1
A method for surface treating a cold cathode includes: providing a cold cathode, the cold cathode including a plurality of field emitters; placing a liquid glue on a surface of the cold cathode; curing the liquid glue to form solid glue on the surface of the cold cathode
Data Source
AI summary
A method for surface treating a cold cathode includes the following steps. A cold cathode is provided and the cold cathode includes a plurality of field emitters. A liquid glue is placed on a surface of the cold cathode. The liquid glue is cured to form solid glue on the surface of the cold cathode. The solid glue is removed to allow the plurality of field emitters to stand upright.