Recent trends and developments in two-dimensional materials based electrodeposited nickel nanocomposite coatings

In recent years, electrodeposition has gained substantial attention due to its advantages such as being efficient, reliable, economical and simple to operate among different methods used to protect industrial components from corrosion, wear/abrasion failures. On account of their exceptional improvement in hardness, corrosion and wear properties that can be achieved from electroplated nickel nanocomposite coatings, they are being widely utilised in the manufacturing, automotive, aviation and electrical industries. Additionally, electrodeposition of nickel-based composites is an environmentally-safe alternative to traditional coatings like harmful hard chromium coatings. Scientific investigation and technological applications comprising of anti-friction, anti-wear and lubrication of 2D materials like graphene, BN, WS2 and MoS2 have made remarkable strides in past few years and have arisen as innovative solid lubricants having remarkable capabilities refining tribological properties. This review article provides an outline of fundamental aspects of electrodeposition such as metal-particle co-deposition models and various influential parameters affecting the electrodeposition process. Development strategies, reinforcement mechanisms, characteristic mechanical properties, friction and lubrication performances, super-hydrophobicity, characterisation techniques, possible applications and practical benefits of 2D material incorporated nickel nanocomposite coatings are comprehensively discussed in this work. Possibilities for future research in this area are also discussed. We believe that this review article serves as an important focal point for new researchers by offering an understanding of synthesis approaches and applications of two-dimensional material incorporated electrodeposited nickel nanocomposite coatings.