Impact of surface functionalization of MWCNTs on electrogenerated Ni/MWCNT composites from aqueous solutions

The impact of surface functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the formation of Ni/MWCNT composite coatings and on their physicochemical, morphological and electrochemical properties was studied. Ni/MWCNT composite coatings were electrodeposited on a copper substrate from a nickel chloride aqueous bath containing pristine, amino-functionalized or oxygen-functionalized MWCNTs. The effect of surface functionalization of MWCNTs on their dispersion in the nickel bath, their interfacial adhesion into the nickel matrix and the stability of electrodeposited composite coating were investigated. The coating with oxygen-functionalized MWCNTs has exhibited higher electrochemical stability compared to the pure nickel coating and the coatings with pristine and amino-functionalized MWCNTs due to enhanced interfacial adhesion between the oxygen-functionalized MWCNTs and the nickel matrix.

. The impact of different kinds of surface functionalization of MWCNTs on the physicochemical, morphological and electrochemical properties of compact Ni/MWCNT composite coatings electrogenerated from aqueous solution.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Surface functionality of the MWCNTs influences the electrodeposition process and the stability of Ni/MWCNT composite coatings.
► The dispersion stability of MWCNTs in nickel bath and their interfacial adhesion with the nickel matrix are significantly influenced by the surface functionality of MWCNTs.
► Enhanced interfacial adhesion between the O-MWCNTs and the nickel matrix makes the composite coating more electrochemically stable than the pure nickel coating and the coatings with pristine and amino-functionalized MWCNTs.