Review on development of carbon nanotube field emission cathode for space propulsion systems

High Voltage

Feng Liang¹  Chao Huo²  An-bang Sun³ 

[1] Kunming University of Science and Technology;Science and Technology on Combustion, Internal Flow and Thermal-structure Laboratory, School of Astronautics, Northwestern Polytechnical University;State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, School of Electrical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University;

关键词: electron field emission;    aerospace propulsion;    carbon nanotubes;    electric propulsion;    vacuum microelectronics;    thermionic cathodes;    low-weight aerospace propulsion systems;    on-orbit scientific instruments;    electron emission devices;    carbon nanotube based field emission cathodes;    thermionic cathodes;    hollow cathodes;    cnt-based electron emission cathodes;    electron sources;    space electric propulsion systems;    space mission exploration;    c;   

DOI  :  10.1049/hve.2019.0257

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

In recent years, small-size, low-weight aerospace propulsion systems have developed rapidly for space exploration, on-orbit scientific instruments and extra space missions, while additional electron emission devices are commonly required in those propulsion systems. Carbon nanotube (CNT) based field emission cathodes exhibit extraordinary field emission properties and are regarded to be an ideal alternative of conventional thermionic or hollow cathodes. In this study, the authors give an overview of present status of researches on CNT-based electron emission cathodes for utilising as neutralisers or electron sources particularly in space electric propulsion systems, the theory and characteristics of CNT are also illustrated. Furthermore, challenges, problems and possible solutions before actual applications of CNT in a space mission are discussed accordingly.

【 授权许可】

Unknown