Fabrication of Copper/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Composites Containing Different Sized Nanotubes by Electroless Deposition

Abstract

Cu/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites containing two different sized MWCNTs were fabricated using an electroless deposition technique in aqueous solution. In order to disperse the MWCNTs in the solution, an anionic dispersant of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and a polymeric dispersant of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) were used. The dispersibility of the MWCNTs in solution was evaluated by measuring the particle size distribution. The zeta potential for the MWCNTs was also evaluated to examine the dispersibility. Uniform Cu/MWCNT composites containing the two different sized MWCNTs were fabricated through the electroless copper deposition process from a solution containing copper ions, a complexing agent, a reducing agent, and two dispersants, SDS and HPC, in addition to the two different sized MWCNTs.