Fabrication of metal coated carbon nanotubes by electroless deposition for improved wettability with molten aluminum

► Carbon nanotubes coated with Ni-P alloy films with various P contents were formed. ► Au/Ni-P alloy coated carbon nanotubes were fabricated by electroless deposition. ► Ni-P alloy coated carbon nanotubes showed good wettability with molten aluminum. ► Au/Ni-P alloy coated carbon nanotubes showed good wettability with molten aluminum.