Optimizing Electroless Plating of Ni–Mo–P Coatings Toward Functional Ceramics

Abstract

Ni–Mo–P coatings are obtained at the surface of ceramic substrate by electroless deposition using palladium as a surface catalyst. The influence of catalyst activation conditions on coatings’ properties was assessed by structural, morphological, electrical, mechanical measurements and adhesion strength by using X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Hall effect and nanoindentation techniques, respectively. The results indicated the formation of dense, continuous and uniform coatings consisting mainly of Ni. The coatings obtained at 300 °C for 12 h exhibited the best electrical properties, namely resistivity of 9.32 μΩ cm, smaller roughness (Ra 0.090 µm) and average mechanical properties. The adhesion tests showed a firm adherence of the Ni–Mo–P coatings to the ceramic surface. The results of this study could offer an approach for obtaining conducting ceramic substrates in order to be employed in photovoltaic applications. The performance of demonstrative heterojunction solar cell obtained with such metallized ceramic is indicative of the high potential of the Ni–Mo–P electroless coatings for functional ceramics.