An electroless deposition strategy for preparing ultrathin CNTs/Cu composite foils with excellent mechanical properties

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a promising reinforcement for improving the mechanical properties of copper (Cu) foils. However, the effective preparation of CNTs reinforced Cu composite foils with good properties is still a challenge. Herein, we report an electroless deposition strategy to achieve one-step preparation of CNTs/Cu composite foils within 30 min. Experimental results revealed that the dispersion of CNTs can be improved by modifying Ni nanoparticles, and the mechanical properties of the CNTs/Cu composite foils was improved owing to the strong interfacial bonding. The composite foils evidenced a thickness of 1.14 μm, a small average roughness of 0.11 μm, and a good bending durability of 167 times. The tensile strength and elastic modulus of CNTs/Cu composite foil were about 21.8% and 41.3% higher than those of the pure Cu foil, respectively. This approach offers a facile and scalable way for manufacturing CNTs reinforced Cu composites materials with high performance. I would like to declare on behalf of my co-authors that the work described was original research that has not been published previously, and not under consideration for publication elsewhere, in whole or in part. All the authors have approved the manuscript that is enclosed.