Incorporation of nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene (Gr) into copper matrix by electrodeposition is a promising method to improve its comprehensive property. However, it is difficult to achieve uniformly suspended electrolyte including these reinforcements without any pretreatment or surfactant due to their inferior dispersibility. Herein, we report a hybrid self-dispersing reinforcement to produce Cu-(CNTs+Gr) composite foil with thickness low to 4 microns by using direct current (DC) electrodeposition, where the precursor graphene oxide (GO) with amphipathicity acts as surfactant-like substance, which can disperse uniformly the CNTs by interacting with π-π bonding each other in the copper sulfate electrolyte. In this way, the synergistic effects from CNTs and graphene deliver outstanding mechanical properties (tensile strength of 436 MPa), inoxidizability and superior electrical conductivity that were not achieved by any of these components alone. These superior performances are attributed to their synergistic dispersion and synergistic enhancement, i.e., not only uniform dispersion in the electrolyte but also in synthesized foil, which gives full play to their excellent intrinsic property. This work not only paves the way for the simple and scalable-up production of ultrathin copper foil in industry but also might catalyze the development of carbon nanomaterials dispersion in the future. 

Synergistic effect between Gr and CNTs in high performance Cu-(CNTs+Gr) ultrathin foil via electrodeposition

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.