Nickel layer deposition on SiC nanoparticles by simple electroless plating and its dielectric behaviors

Surface modification of the silicon carbide nanoparticles (SiCP) by electroless nickel plating was performed. The XRD, TEM and XPS results showed that a nanoscale agglomerative nickel layer was coated on the SiCP. Dielectric permittivities of the original SiCP and nickel-coated SiCP were measured respectively in the GHz frequency range from 8 to 12 GHz. The real part and dielectric loss tangent of the nickel-coated SiCP were significantly enhanced. The origin of the enhancement was discussed in theory, and also explained by discussing practical influence factors.