In situ transmission electron microscopy observations of individually selected freestanding carbon nanotubes during field emission.

For the successful application of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as electron sources in various applications it is important to understand the relation between the morphology of the CNT and its emission properties. A method was developed to study individual, freestanding and pre-selected CNTs with high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The technique provided important parameters of the CNT, such as the number of carbon walls and the nature of its apex.