Graphene, one-atom-thick planar sheet of carbon atoms densely packed in a honeycomb crystal lattice, has grabbed appreciable attention due to its exceptional electronic and optoelectronic properties. The reported properties and applications of this two-dimensional form of carbon structure have opened up new opportunities for the future devices and systems. Although graphene is known as one of the best electronic materials, synthesizing single sheet of graphene has been less explored. This review article aims to present an overview of the advancement of research in graphene, in the area of synthesis, properties and applications, such as field emission, sensors, electronics, and energy. Wherever applicable, the limitations of present knowledgebase and future research directions have also been highlighted.

Vertically aligned carbon nanotubes were synthesized on Ni-deposited Si substrates using microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The grain size of Ni thin films varied with the rf power density during the rf magnetron sputtering process. We found that the diameter, growth rate, and density of carbon nanotubes could be controlled systematically by the grain size of Ni thin films. With decreasing the grain size of Ni thin films, the diameter of the nanotubes decreased, whereas the growth rate and density increased. High-resolution transmission electron microscope images clearly demonstrated synthesized nanotubes to be multiwalled.

A triode-type field emission display has been fabricated using carbon nanotube emitters. Purified single walled carbon nanotubes were selectively deposited onto a cathode electrode in a triode-type structure by an electrophoresis. Emission current was modulated with gate potentials of 100–300 V. A high brightness of 1000 cd/m2 with uniform emission was obtained at 900 V at the anode and 200 V at the gate. The fluctuation of emission current was found to be less than 5% in a fully sealed field emission display. Selective deposition of carbon nanotubes by electrophoresis shows high feasibility for triode-type field emission displays.