Search

Abstract: Carbon nanofiber–copper composite films with different types of nanofibers were fabricated by an electrodeposition process. Four types of carbon nanofibers, vapor-grown carbon nanofibers without heat treatment, vapor-grown carbon nanofibers with heat treatment, vapor-grown carbon nanofibers with smaller diameters, and vapor-grown carbon nanofibers with a cup-stacked nanostructure were used. The carbon nanofibers were homogeneously dispersed in sulfate copper plating baths in the presence of polyacrylic acid. Electrodeposition was carried out under galvanostatic conditions using these copper plating baths. The deposition resulted in electrodeposited copper films containing the carbon nanofibers distributed homogeneously. The surface morphology of the carbon nanofiber–copper composite films was observed to be affected by the type of carbon nanofiber used. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nickel-coated carbon nanofibers have been prepared by an electroless deposition process. The carbon nanofibers were pre-treated prior to the nickel electroless deposition. Polyacrylic acid was used to disperse carbon nanofibers in the pre-treatment solutions. The carbon nanofibers were coated homogeneously with nickel by the electroless deposition process using an electroplating bath containing sodium hypophosphite as a reducing agent. The process resulted in a powdery-nickel-coated carbon nanofiber material. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Carbon nanofiber–copper composite powder is prepared by an electrodeposition process using a copper plating bath containing homogeneously dispersed carbon nanofibers. Particles of the composite with a spiky ball structure are accumulated on the plating electrode during the initial stage of electroplating, and can be separated easily to give a powder carbon nanofiber–copper composite. The particle size can be controlled by selecting appropriate electroplating conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An advantageous procedure has been developed, allowing metallization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs, mean diameter: 50–80 nm) with Cu layer by an electroless deposition process. Such a procedure for achieving electroless Cu deposition on MWCNTs involves acid pre-clean, sensitization and activation. Results show that metallizated MWCNTs keep the fiber-like appearances with uniform distribution. This resulting nanotube-derived material is comprised of a nanocrocrystalline Cu layer and inner nanotube covered with Cu layer. The results of this work have demonstrated the effectiveness of electroless deposition on the metallization of MWCNTs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]