Electron emission from C60/C70+Pd films containing Pd nanocrystals

C-60/C-70+Pd films composed of 2.5 nm sized Pd nanocrystals situated in carbonaceous matrix were grown by thermal deposition of fullerenes C-60/C-70 mixture (C-60:C-70 ratio was 8:2) and Pd organic compound (from two separated sources). The structure of films was studied by transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction. The composition of films was studied by energy dispersive spectroscopy. Binding energy of Pd and C atoms was obtained by electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis method. The bias voltage applied along the him caused the creation of electrical conductivity paths composed of 10-20 nm sized Pd nanocrystals. The electron emission was observed for the film after the formation of the electrical conductivity path. As a result of such structural changes we observed enhanced electron emission from the film. (C) 2000 American Vaccum Society. [S0734-211X(00)10202-1].