Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) synthesized directly onto carbon felt have been investigated as electron field emission electrodes. This CNT/felt composite was prepared using the decomposition of methanol on metal catalyst supported on carbon felt. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the microstructure of the films. Electron field emission was observed at macroscopic field as low as 0.45 V mu m(-1) and it was controlled by the CNT assembled on the felt. In addition, the emission current was found to be very stable with time. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.