Monolayer Graphite on Transition-metal Carbides and Application to Field Emitter

Abstract

Monolayer graphite can be grown epitaxially on transition metal carbide surfaces with very easy procedure. Surface periodicity, phonon dispersions, electron energy dispersions, STM image and so on were measured. Monolayer graphite has similar properties to pristine graphite, although the interaction between the graphite and the substrate is so large that it affects also intra-layer π bond. The surface becomes inert and stable once monolayer graphite is formed. In case transition metal carbides are applied to field emitter, the formation of monolayer graphite dramatically improves the current stability.