Effect of surfactant on the co-electrodeposition of the nano-sized ceria particle in the nickel matrix

The nickel–ceria (Ni–CeO2) nanocomposite coatings have been pulse electrodeposited from a Watts-type electrolyte containing nano-sized CeO2 particles produced by high-energy ball milling technique (HEBM). Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) has been added in the electrolyte as a cationic surfactant. The effects of the surfactant on the zeta potential, co-deposition and distribution of ceria particles in the nickel matrix and hardness of composite coatings have been investigated. Experimental results show that the addition of SLS up to 0.10 g/l increases the amount of co-deposited ceria particles in the nickel matrix and microhardness of the nanocomposite. However, when the amount of SLS in the electrolyte is more than 0.1 g/l, there is a tendency to form agglomerates of ceria particles in the nickel matrix resulting no further increase in hardness of the Ni–CeO2 nanocomposite coatings.