Nickel Phosphorus Research Articles

Plasmonic sensor design: Cu-SiO₂-Ni-black phosphorus for enhanced surface plasmon resonance in visible regime.

Anovel surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor is presentedutilizing a BK7 prism, copper (Cu), silicon dioxide (SiO2), nickel (Ni), and black phosphorus (BP) for enhanced biomolecule sensing in the refractive index (RI) range of 1.33 - 1.335. The combination of Cu and Ni offers strong plasmonic properties, while BP tunable bandgap and superior light-matter interactions significantly improve sensitivity. SiO2 enhances chemical stability and enables surface functionalization, making the sensor robust for real-world applications. The high sensitivity of 417.11°/RIU is attained with a remarkable quality factor (QF) of 102.19/RIU at minimum reflectance (Rmin), outperforming existing SPR sensors in terms of both sensitivity and reliability. The maximum sensitivity of 479.10°/RIU is achieved. The proposed design addresses key challenges in SPR sensing, including environmental stability, layer optimization, and sensitivity enhancement, positioning it as a promising platform for advanced biomolecular detection.

Enhancing corrosion resistance of Nd-Fe-B magnets with amorphization Ni-P coatings

Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets, due to the unique phase structure, demand exceptional corrosion resistance. Electrodeposited nickel-phosphorus (Ni-P) coatings are recognized for their superior anti-corrosion performance, but the performance of electrodeposited Ni-P coatings with different crystallinity varies considerably from process to process. In this study, we propose a strategy to grow Ni-P coatings that exhibit varying crystallographic orientations and degrees of crystallinity. Meanwhile, the differences in structure, morphology, corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties between crystalline and amorphous Ni-P coatings were systematically investigated. The results show that the crystalline Ni-P alloy coating predominantly forms on the Ni(111) crystal plane, with poor surface topographic flatness. In contrast, the amorphous Ni-P coating demonstrates better surface topographic flatness. The crystalline Ni-P alloy coating exhibits a corrosion potential of −0.63 V, a corrosion current density of 5.6 × 10−7 A cm−2, and a hardness of 583HV. In comparison, the completely amorphous Ni-P alloy coating shows an improved corrosion potential of −0.38 V, an exceedingly low corrosion current density of 9.5 × 10−10 A cm−2, and an increased hardness of 622HV.

Functional metallic circuitries created by laser-activated selective electroless plating for 3D customized electronics

Laser-activated selective electroless plating (LASELP) is a promising complementary manufacturing process employed in hybrid additive manufacturing (HAM) technology for the fabrication of customized 3D electronics. However, to the best knowledge of the authors, most current LASELP technologies could only enable copper deposition on/within the polymer matrix, which largely limited the application scope of this technology. Accordingly, an advanced LASELP technology combining catalyst exchanging process is proposed to pattern diverse functional metal on the photopolymer to fabricate 3D electronics. Two kinds of catalyst systems are selected in this HAM technology: (1) Cu2(OH)PO4; (2) antimony tin oxide (ATO) and titania (TiO2). Silver and nickel-phosphorus (Ni-P) alloy were selected as the representatives of direct- and indirect-ELP metals. Silver could directly plated on the laser-activated surface to deposit a dense and highly conductive layer, while for the Ni-P layer, an inevitable catalyst exchange step was applied here to induce Pd0 plating seeds on the laser-activated substrate. Finally, a variety of customized electronics, such as conformal circuit boards, smart structure with strain sensor, embedded structural thermometer, Internet of Things bottle cap, and gas tube integrated with 3D conformal NO2 sensor were implemented are fabricated and fully verify this HAM technology.

The Intermediate Barrier Performance of Electroless Co-W-B / Ni-P Stacked Deposits Between Cu and Solder Joint

Nickel (Ni) is one of the most common surface finishing materials for solder joint and wire bonding because it can behave as the diffusion barrier for Copper (Cu) and bring excellent reliability. Electroless Ni plating has many advantages such as high productivity, good thickness uniformity, and the deposition ability for isolated patterns of printed circuit boards without supplying electrolytic power. Electroless Ni plating is widely used as the jointing material for Tin (Sn) or Sn alloy solder in printed circuit boards, lead frames, and so on. The amorphous deposits of electroless Nickel-Phosphorus (Ni-P) generate the intermetallic compounds (IMC) with solder after the reflow and the remaining Ni behaves as the barrier between Cu and solder. In this time, the P amount of Ni-P deposits generally have the impact to the growth of IMC. Electroless Ni-P with high P (high P Ni) such as 10-12 wt% has been selected to achieve both corrosion resistance and solder joint reliability. Because the growth of Sn-Ni IMC between high P Ni is faster than deposits with lower P, the target thickness of high P Ni has been set to approximately 10 µm to sustain the Ni-P layer as the barrier layer between Cu and solder during reflow. However, if the Ni-Sn IMC is repeatedly formed and dissolved by the diffusion after solder jointing, the Ni-P layer reduces and finally disappears. As a result, an additional barrier layer is desirable for higher reliability. In this study, we investigated adding electroless Cobalt-Tungsten-Boron (Co-W-B) as a new intermediate barrier between Cu and solder jointing. We evaluated the bonding strength and IMC analysis after mounting Sn-Cu-Ni-P type solder on Cu/Co-W-B/Ni-P by using different reflow profiles. Results showed that Co-W-B 0.1-0.2 µm/Ni-P 1-2 µm stacked deposits had excellent bonding strength even though the Ni-P thickness is thinner such as 1 µm. After mounting solder, a P-rich layer was generated on the Co-W-B layer in cross-sectional Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) observation. Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM) –Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS, STEMEDS) analysis showed the P-rich layer and Co-W-B layer prevented diffusion between solder and Cu. Furthermore, even if after the thermal loading of high temperature, the bonding strength was excellent. Additionally, the cross-section analysis of STEM-EDS revealed that a thin layer composed of Ni, Co and P was formed between Co-W-B and the P-rich layer. This thin layer also might behave as the barrier for solder. In conclusion, Co-W-B / Ni-P stacked deposits exhibited excellent reliability as the additional intermediate barrier layer between Cu and solder.

Control system and process optimization for electroless nickel plating

A novel method based on mid-frequency vibration is proposed to eliminate coating defects such as bubbles during electroless nickel plating. An automated control system for the plating, enabling precise and stable measurements and adjustments of critical parameters such as plating solution temperature, pH, and nickel ion concentration, is also established, which significantly improves process efficiency and coating quality. Experimental results indicate that the system is capable of realizing stable operation over extended periods. A nonporous nickel–phosphorus coating with a thickness greater than 200 μm is successfully obtained, with high phosphorus content, robust adhesion, and superior machinability.

Achieving enhanced electroless Ni-P plating on 6H-SiC substrate through optimization of plasma activation durations

This study explores the impact of plasma activation on the surface properties of 6H-SiC substrates and the subsequent characteristics of electroless nickel‑phosphorus (NiP) plating. The research investigates how varying plasma activation durations influence surface roughness, chemical composition, and plating adhesion. Plasma activation significantly increased surface roughness from 592 nm to 772 nm and the oxidation layer thickness from 5.76 nm to 32.2 nm. These changes were accompanied by corresponding decreases in water and NiP solution contact angles, indicating enhanced surface wettability. The electroless NiP plating demonstrated a progressive increase in surface roughness, and the Ra roughness reached 1319 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed a reduction in the crystallinity of the NiP layer, alongside the emergence of new phases such as Ni2P and Ni8P3, indicating alterations in the structural and chemical composition of the plating. The average thickness of the NiP plating decreased from 39.70 μm at 10 min of plasma activation to 36.12 μm at 30 min, suggesting a potential reduction in deposition efficiency with prolonged activation times. Additionally, the hardness of the NiP layer exhibited a decline from 525 HV to 502 HV, attributed to increased surface oxidation and defect formation. The adhesion quality of the plating also deteriorated with increased plasma activation time, as evidenced by significant peeling and cracking, as observed in the scratch test.

Ni-P SiC composite coatings on piston rings by plate and bumper technique and its tribological properties

Breakdown of piston rings in the automotive sector due to wear, corrosion and high temperatures is common. Conventional hard chrome and chrome ceramic coatings with hexavalent chromium possess environmental risks due to its carcinogenic effects. Nickel-phosphorus (Ni-P) plating is not hazardous and hence silicon carbide (SiC) uniformly distributed in Ni-P coating by plate and bumper method is made as an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach. This Ni-P SiC composite coating provides high hardness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance and improved friction resistance due to the uniform distribution of the SiC composite particles. The amorphous Ni-P coating is converted to nickel phosphide intermetallic crystalline form during the heat treatment at 300 °C and is confirmed by XRD. The heat treatment also increases the microhardness in the rage of 810 to 1015 HV for Ni-P SiC composite coating. This method significantly improved the mechanical properties of piston rings by ∼ 5 to 6%.

Impact of process parameters on the flow behavior and filling accuracy of photoresist in hot embossing for microgroove array

Hot embossing is a cost-effective and efficient method for fabricating micro-nano structures. However, challenges arise from the flow behavior and rebound phenomena of photoresists during hot embossing, leading to issues with filling accuracy and subsequently degrading optical properties. Therefore, elucidating the impact of process parameters on filling accuracy in hot embossing is crucial. Initially, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) soft mold was fabricated by replicating microgroove arrays from a nickel-phosphorus (Ni-P) mold, which was produced using ultra-precision fly-cutting techniques. Subsequently, the microgroove morphology from the PDMS soft mold was transferred onto the photoresist surface through hot embossing. A numerical model for photoresist filling accuracy was established and experimentally validated. The filling mechanism of photoresist in hot embossing was elucidated. Polymer viscoelasticity decreased with increasing temperature, substantially enhancing filling accuracy, followed by a gradual decrease due to rebound phenomena. Additionally, higher embossing forces enhanced the filling ratio, but excessive pressure led to the deformation of the soft mold. Process parameters were optimized through numerical simulation and experimentation, achieving processing errors at the hundred-nanometer level and a filling ratio of 97.3 %.

Precision Manufacturing in China of Replication Mandrels for Ni-Based Monolithic Wolter-I X-ray Mirror Mandrels

The X-ray satellite “Einstein Probe” of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) was successfully launched on 9 January 2024 at 15:03 Beijing Time from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China with a “Long March-2C” rocket. The Einstein Probe is equipped with two scientific X-ray telescopes. One is the Wide-field X-ray Telescope (WXT), which uses lobster-eye optics. The other is the Follow-up X-ray Telescope (FXT), a Wolter-I type telescope. These telescopes are designed to study the universe for high-energy X-rays associated with transient high-energy phenomena. The FXT consists of two modules based on 54 thin X-ray Wolter-I grazing incidence Ni-replicated mirrors produced by the Italian Media Lario company, as contributions from the European Space Agency and the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE), which also provided the focal-plane detectors. Meanwhile, the Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP), together with the Harbin Institute of Technology and Xi’an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics, has also completed the development and production of the structural and thermal model (STM), qualification model (QM) and flight model (FM) of FXT mirrors for the Einstein Probe (EP) satellites for demonstration purposes. This paper introduces the precision manufacturing adopted in China of Wolter-I X-ray mirror mandrels similar to those used for the EP-FXT payload. Moreover, the adopted electroformed nickel replication process, based on a chemical nickel–phosphorus alloy, is reported. The final results show that the surface of the produced mandrels after demolding and the internal surface of the mirrors have been super polished to the roughness level better than 0.3 nm RMS and the surface accuracy is better than 0.2 μm, and the mirror angular resolution for single mirror shells may be as good as 17.3 arcsec HPD (Half Power Diameter), 198 arcsec W90 (90% Energy Width) @1.49 keV (Al-K line). These results demonstrate the reliability and advancement of the process. As the first efficient X-ray-focusing optics manufacturing chain established in China, we successfully developed the first focusing mirror prototype that could be used for future X-ray satellite payloads.

Advanced corrosion resistance and mechanistic insights of electroless Ni-P-PTFE coatings on L245NS substrate in H2S-saturated environments

The extraction and transportation of oil and gas pose significant challenges due to corrosive environments, particularly hydrogen sulfide (H2S) exposure. This study investigates the use of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to enhance the corrosion resistance of nickel‑phosphorus (NiP) coatings in H2S-rich environments. Electroless deposition was employed to prepare Ni-P/PTFE coatings, which were then subjected to simulated H2S corrosion tests. Results indicate that the incorporation of PTFE led to a more uniform NiP coating with reduced porosity, significantly improving corrosion resistance. The coatings exhibited enhanced protective performance by stabilizing corrosion product layers and preventing the formation of corrosion channels. Ni-P-PTFE coatings overcame the existing research challenge of NiP coatings' corrosion in H2S environments, showing no penetration of the corrosive medium into the substrate after 720 h of immersion. The corrosion rate of the coating is only 0.0261 mm/year, only 4.27 % of the corrosion rate of the L245NS substrate in the early stage of corrosion. Moreover, after characterization by SEM, XRD and XPS, it was found that the presence of PTFE altered the corrosion mechanism, promoting the formation of stable nickel sulfide and oxide layers on the surface. This study sheds light on the mechanisms underlying PTFE-enhanced corrosion resistance in NiP coatings, offering promising implications for extending the lifespan of equipment in the oil and gas industry.

Spin chain orientation and magneto-optical coupling in twisted NiPS3 homostructures

Magnetic two-dimensional (2D) materials have garnered significant attention due to their unique electronic, magnetic, and optical properties and their potential applications in next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices. However, the magneto-optical effects of oligolayer antiferromagnetic materials remain inadequately understood. Here, we investigate the magnetic properties of few-layer nickel phosphorus trisulfide (NiPS3) and its twisted heterostructures, emphasizing the observation of optical phenomena at low temperatures (1.65 K). By stacking few-layer NiPS3 to fabricate twisted homostructures, we probe their magnetic characteristics using photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Our results reveal that sharp exciton peaks emerge at low temperatures and that the spin chain orientation in oligolayer NiPS3 can be discerned through the polarization dependence of exciton PL intensity. Notably, fewer-layered NiPS3 exhibits a significant magneto-optical effect under an applied magnetic field, allowing the modulation of the polarization angle of its exciton PL spectrum. Additionally, the polarization-dependent Raman spectrum of NiPS3 shows substantial changes under the influence of a magnetic field. These findings underscore the potential of few-layer NiPS3 for future magneto-optical device applications.

Study on process optimization of electroless Ni-P plating on binderless WC

Abstract In the field of Precision Glass Molding (PGM), binderless tungsten carbide (WC) is a pivotal material for molds, despite its high processing costs and complexities. Nickel-phosphorus (Ni-P) alloys also exhibit superior performance at elevated temperatures. The innovation of Ni-P/WC composite molds addresses the issue of the poor machinability of WC. This research delves into the influence of the activating solution’s concentration on the surface activation energy of WC, the quality of plating, and the deposition rate during the electroless Ni-P plating process. Additionally, the study scrutinizes how the pH level of the plating solution impacts the quality of Ni-P, the rate of deposition, and the phosphorus content. These investigations have led to the realization of an efficient and high-quality Ni-P plating process for WC.

(Invited) Manipulating the Exotic Excitons of Van Der Waals Correlated Antiferromagnet with Impurities and Size

A Van der Waals correlated antiferromagnet, metal phosphorus trichalcogenides (MPX3, M = Mn, Fe, Ni; X = S, Se), have emerged as promising candidates for next generation spintronics, and quantum information technologies. Nickel phosphorus trisulfide (NiPS3) is a most notable member of this family and has been extensively studied for its unique properties, including the emergence of an ultra-sharp photoluminescence (PL) peak at ~1.476 eV below Néel temperature of 150 Kelvin. While the highly anisotropic, linearly polarized emission of this PL peak has been shown to be directly correlated to the long-range spin order of NiPS3, its ultra-narrow linewidth of a few hundred meV has led to the speculation that it is originated from a coherent many-body exciton state. Observations of multiple phonon bounds states and formation of exciton-polaritons also creates more excitement as they present new possibilities for design and control of correlated electron systems.Aiming to achieve understanding and control of this spin-correlated exciton, we conduct temperature dependent, polarization resolved, PL studies on compounds of NiPS3 doped with different concentration of Mn (Ni1-xMnxPS3) and Se (NiPS3(1-x)Se3x). We observed systematic variation in characteristics of the spin-correlated exciton revealing their sensitive dependence on disturbance in the magnetic order of NiPS3.Next, to explore the effect of nanostructuring, we developed a novel chemical synthesis for highly crystalline NiPS3 nano flakes. We observed an activation of a new exciton state that share many exciting properties of bulk spin-correlated exciton.

Multi-Parameter Complex Control of Metal Coatings on Ball Plugs of Pipeline Shut-Off Valves

The greatest losses during gas transportation occur in the elements of shut-off valves, the operating parameters of which, among other things, depend on the thickness and hardness of the protective coating of the ball plugs. The study of the parameters of nickel–phosphorus and chrome coatings on ball plugs of serially produced shut-off valves, including control of their thickness and hardness, was carried out. Based on the test results, deviations in the actual parameters of coatings from the requirements of technological documentation were revealed, the necessity of their complex control was substantiated, recommendations on the choice of methods and equipment were formulated, and the main provisions of the test methodology were developed.

Ni-B-PTFE Nanocomposite Co-Deposition on the Surface of 2A12 Aluminum Alloy.

The spinning cup, a crucial component of textile equipment, relies heavily on 2A12 aluminum alloy as its primary raw material. Commonly, electroplating and chemical nickel-phosphorus (Ni-P) plating are employed to improve the surface characteristics of the object. Nevertheless, due to the growing expectations for the performance of aluminum alloys, the hardness and wear resistance of Ni-P coatings are no longer sufficient to fulfill industry standards. This study primarily focuses on the synthesis of Ni-B-PTFE nanocomposite chemical plating and its effectiveness when applied to the surface of 2A12 aluminum alloy. We examine the impact of the composition of the plating solution, process parameters, and various other factors on the pace at which the coating is deposited, the hardness of the surface, and other indicators of the coating. The research findings indicate that the composite co-deposited coating achieves its optimal surface morphology when the following conditions are met: a nickel chloride concentration of 30 g/L, an ethylenediamine concentration of 70 mL, a sodium borohydride concentration of 0.6 g/L, a sodium hydroxide concentration of 90 g/L, a lead nitrate concentration of 30 mL, a pH value of 12, a temperature of 90 °C, and a PTFE concentration of 10 mL/L. The coating exhibits consistency, density, a smooth surface, and an absence of noticeable pores or fissures. The composite co-deposited coating exhibits a surface hardness of 1109 HV0.1, which significantly surpasses the substrate's hardness of 232.38 HV0.1. The Ni-B-PTFE composite coating exhibits an average friction coefficient of around 0.12. It has a scratch width of 855.18 μm and a wear mass of 0.05 mg. This coating demonstrates superior wear resistance when compared to Ni-B coatings. The Ni-B-PTFE composite coating specimen exhibits a self-corrosion potential of -6.195 V and a corrosion current density of 7.81 × 10-7 A/cm2, which is the lowest recorded. This enhances its corrosion resistance compared to Ni-B coatings.

Wear Resistance Behavior of Low-, Mid-, and High-Phosphorus Electroless Ni-P Coatings Heat-Treated in the Air Environment

The high-temperature heat treatment of electroless nickel–phosphorus (Ni-P) coatings in an air environment, and its consequences have scarcely been investigated. This work investigated tribological characteristics of the high-temperature, heat-treated, electroless Ni-P coatings on steel substrates with low-, mid-, and high-phosphorus content for which the average phosphorus content was 2.4 wt.%, 7.1 wt.%, and 10.3 wt.%, respectively. X-ray fluorescence and energy dispersive spectroscopy were implemented to determine the phosphorus content of the coatings. The oxidation of Ni and the formation of the NiO layer on the coating surface was confirmed by the X-ray diffraction technique. A reciprocating sliding method on a ball-on-flat system was utilized to evaluate the coating’s friction and wear behavior. Among the coatings with varying phosphorus content, a high hardness of 1086 HV was found for high-phosphorus coating when heat-treated at 400 °C in an air environment, and that was decreased to 691 HV when heat-treated at 650 °C. The oxidation of nickel in the electroless Ni-P coating occurred when heat-treated at 400 °C in an air environment, and this phenomenon was increased more when the temperature was increased to 650 °C. The characteristics of the NiO layer that formed on the surface of the heat-treated electroless Ni-P coating were influenced by the concentration of phosphorus, which caused different colors of NiO to be seen on the Ni-P coating surface. A greenish black NiO layer on the low-phosphorus and black NiO layer on the mid- and high-phosphorus Ni-P coating was developed during heat treatment at 650 °C in an air atmosphere. The adhesion and tribological characteristics of the Ni-P coatings were affected by the NiO layer developed on the heat-treated Ni-P coating surfaces. The Ni-P coatings with mid- and high-phosphorus content showed enhanced wear-resistance characteristics when they underwent heat treatment in an air atmosphere at the high temperature of 650 °C. The wear volume obtained for as-plated mid-phosphorus and high-phosphorus Ni-P coatings was 0.111 mm3 and 0.128 mm3, respectively, and that was reduced to 0.031 mm3 and 0.051 mm3, respectively, after the high-temperature heat treatment.

Surface modification of nickel-phosphorus plating by Ti ion implantation for chalcogenide glass lens molding

Nickel-phosphorus (Ni-P) plating has been developed as an excellent mold material in precision glass molding (PGM) for silicate optical lenses. However, the elemental diffusion and adhesion problems hinder the application of the Ni-P mold in the molding process for infrared chalcogenide glass (ChG) optics. In this study, Ti ion implantation and annealing were proposed for the surface modification of Ni-P plating. The modification mechanism of the Ti-Ni-P plating was studied, and the Ti ion distribution was simulated using the Monte Carlo method. Several characterization methods were conducted to analyze the surface composition of Ti-Ni-P plating. The mechanical properties of the plating were tested before and after implantation, proving that ion implantation improved the surface hardness of the plating. Finally, molding experiments were carried out using the Ti implanted flat and structured molds. The molded glass does not undergo interfacial reaction, and has high structural replication accuracy and higher infrared transmittance. It is validated that Ti ion implantation has a positive effect on the inhibition of the interfacial reaction in ChG molding.

Conformal surface nanostructuring of microparts based on nanosphere lithography

We report on the development of a process chain for the conformal surface-structuring at sub-microscale of complex parts. More especially, the main objective was to manufacture functional microparts with engineered sidewall topographies. The solution proposed is based on the surface structuring of the sidewalls of resin molds used in the LIGA process (Lithography Galvanik Abformung). The surface structuring was achieved by depositing sub-micrometer particles prior to electroforming step. The length scale of the structures produced was controlled by the size of the particles deposited. The particle deposition process was monitored by using a quartz crystal microbalance and optimized on flat surfaces. It was successfully applied to produce structured nickel phosphorus LIGA parts. The structured surfaces produced were also used to create liquid infused surfaces, having low wetting hysteresis.

Effect of Current Density on Hardness of Ni-P/Diamond Composite Coatings Fabricated by Electrodeposition

Nickel-Phosphorous/diamond coatings were electrodeposited onto steel substrates using a pulse-stirring method. The electrodeposition process involved a solution containing nickel sulphate, phosphorus acid, and diamond particles, resulting in the co-electrodeposition of 4-8 µm of diamond particles into a Ni-P matrix. To investigate the effects of electrodeposition current density on the properties of the Ni-P/diamond composite coating, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), hardness testing, and electrochemical testing were employed. The research findings revealed that higher current density (0.03 A/cm2) led to a denser diamond particle coating with diamond contents of up to 32.70 vol%. Additionally, the Ni-P/diamond coatings achieved a maximum hardness of 2819 ± 12.55 HV0.1 when fabricated using the current density of 0.03 A/cm2. The "pulse-stirring fabrication" method yields a coating with significantly enhanced wear resistance due to incorporating densely packed diamond particles. The intermittent pulses during the fabrication process are crucial for achieving the desired dispersion and adhesion of the diamond particles, leading to a practical and durable wear-resistant coating.

Tribological Behavior and Surface Analysis of Ni–P/BP Coatings

Abstract Nickel–phosphorus/black phosphorus (Ni–P/BP) coatings were deposited on ordinary carbon structural steel (Q235 steel) by electroless plating. The tribological behavior of the Ni–P/BP coatings and traditional nickel–phosphorus (Ni–P) coating was studied comparatively on a reciprocating tribometer. The Ni–P/BP coatings exhibited good tribological performances in the water environment. Compared with traditional Ni–P coating, the friction coefficient of Ni–P/BP20 coating in deionized water and Ni–P/BP30 coating in 3.5 wt% sodium chloride decreased by 31% and 30% at 4 N, respectively. The major wear mechanism of Ni–P/BP coatings was ascribed to slight abrasive wear. This was mainly due to the combination of the higher hardness of coatings, the interlayer slip of adsorbed black phosphorus nanosheets, and the development of oxide tribofilm at the sliding interfaces.