Abstract
Metal/carbon nanotube (CNT) composites are promising functional materials due to the various superior properties of CNTs in addition to the characteristics of metals, and consequently, many fabrication processes of these composites have been vigorously researched. In this paper, the fabrication process of metal/CNT composites by electrochemical deposition, including electrodeposition and electroless deposition, are comprehensively reviewed. A general introduction for fabrication of metal/CNT composites using the electrochemical deposition is carried out. The fabrication methods can be classified into three types: (1) composite plating by electrodeposition or electroless deposition, (2) metal coating on CNT by electroless deposition, and (3) electrodeposition using CNT templates, such as CNT sheets and CNT yarns. The performances of each type have been compared and explained especially from the view point of preparation methods. In the cases of (1) composite plating and (2) metal coating on CNTs, homogeneous dispersion of CNTs in electrochemical deposition baths is essential for the formation of metal/CNT composites with homogeneous distribution of CNTs, which leads to high performance composites. In the case of (3) electrodeposition using CNT templates, the electrodeposition of metals not only on the surfaces but also interior of the CNT templates is the key process to fabricate high performance metal/CNT composites.
Highlights
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) [1,2] have excellent mechanical characteristics such as high tensile strength and high elastic modulus, and possess high thermal and electrical conductivity
In theiscase of CNT composite plating particles aredeposited electrodeposited on a cathode andby theelectrodeposition, particles adsorb on inert the surface of the dispersed homogeneously inthe a plating bath reducing agent
(Figure is adapted from refer(b) Cu/MWCNT composite powder separated by ultrasonification. (Figure 8 is adapted from ence [35])
Summary
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) [1,2] have excellent mechanical characteristics such as high tensile strength and high elastic modulus, and possess high thermal and electrical conductivity. Electrochemical deposition is one of the most promising processes for fabricating metal/CNT composites with small size dimension. (1) composite plating electrodeposition, and the fabrication processes of metal/CNT composites by the electrochemical chemical deposition can be categorized into three types:. CNT coating by electroless deposition, electrodeposition using CNT templates (Figure 1). In the case of “metal coating on CNTs by electroless deposition”, the prepared deposition techniques. In the case of “metal coating on CNTs by electroless the prepared metal-coated are mainly used as filler of composites, such deposition”, as resin composites. CNTs are mainly used templates”, as filler of composites, such as resin themetal-coated case of “electrodeposition on CNT. CNTs in the metal matrix, especially in the trix, especially in the case of well-distributed the composite plating. Classification of fabrication process for metal/CNT composites by electrochemical deposition.
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