Electrodeposition in the Ni-plating bath containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes

An electrodeposition procedure is performed in the Ni-plating bath containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). The effects of MWNTs on the electrodeposits and process of Ni deposition are investigated by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and electrochemical methods. The results show that there is an optimum concentration of MWNTs, at which the surface of the cathode can be uniformly and completely covered by MWNTs and thus Ni can be uniformly deposited on the MWNTs to form the MWNTs coated with a uniform Ni layer. The introduction of MWNTs in the Ni-plating bath increases the cathodic polarization of Ni deposition due to the two aspects as follows: The addition of MWNTs enhances the charge transfer for the reduction of Ni and also supplies a large active surface area for a great deal of nucleation of Ni, consequently results in an increase of concentration polarization. The deposition of Ni on the MWNTs requires the higher activation energy than that on the Cu. The MWNTs adsorbed on the cathode also induce Ni to deposit as smaller grains due to a large increase of nucleation sites of Ni. Therefore, more uniform and compact coating in appearance than Ni coating formed in the plating bath without MWNTs can be obtained.