Direct synthesis of micro-coiled carbon fibers on graphite substrate using co-electrodeposition of nickel and sulfur as catalysts

Micro-coiled carbon fibers were directly prepared on the graphite substrate using co-electrodeposition of nickel and sulfur as catalysts, in this paper. The diameter of coil and that of micro-coiled carbon fiber are about 800 nm and 400 nm, respectively. Compared with the current preparation methods of catalysts, electrochemical deposition is an effective, cheap and simple technique. Especially, this method is suitable for preparation of ally catalyst. The parameters of electrochemical deposition (deposition time and current density) have little influence on helix of growth and growth mechanism of carbon fibers. By adjusting the electrolyte solution, the amount of sulfur in catalyst are easily carried out, and it is found that sulfur content in catalyst plays an important role on morphological characteristics of carbon fibers.