Abstract: By using the catalyst pyrolysis method, the carbon nanotube film was prepared on the different substrate materials. Seen from the SEM and TEM photo, the prepared carbon nanotube film possesses a better directing property, uniformity and a localization growth property. The effect of the process parameter on the preparation of the carbon nanotube film is discussed. With the carbon nanotube film as cathode materials, the field emission characteristics of the carbon nanotube film cathode are presented and analyzed.

Key words: carbon nanotube, pyrolysis, catalyst, field emission