Fabrication of Metal/Carbon Nanotube Composites by Electrochemical Deposition

Metal/carbon nanotube (CNT) composites are promising functional materials due to the various superior properties of CNTs in addition to the characteristics of metals, and consequently, many fabrication processes of these composites have been vigorously researched. In this paper, the fabrication process of metal/CNT composites by electrochemical deposition, including electrodeposition and electroless deposition, are comprehensively reviewed. A general introduction for fabrication of metal/CNT composites using the electrochemical deposition is carried out. The fabrication methods can be classified into three types: (1) composite plating by electrodeposition or electroless deposition, (2) metal coating on CNT by electroless deposition, and (3) electrodeposition using CNT templates, such as CNT sheets and CNT yarns. The performances of each type have been compared and explained especially from the view point of preparation methods. In the cases of (1) composite plating and (2) metal coating on CNTs, homogeneous dispersion of CNTs in electrochemical deposition baths is essential for the formation of metal/CNT composites with homogeneous distribution of CNTs, which leads to high performance composites. In the case of (3) electrodeposition using CNT templates, the electrodeposition of metals not only on the surfaces but also interior of the CNT templates is the key process to fabricate high performance metal/CNT composites.