Copper/functionalized-carbon nanotubes composite films with ultrahigh electrical conductivity prepared by pulse reverse electrodeposition

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been proved a significant role as the reinforcement material in improving the mechanical and electrical properties of metal matrix composites due to their high mechanical properties, excellent electrical and thermal conductivity as well as unique atomic structure. In addition, the dispersion of CNTs has been a key factor in fabricating of metal-based complex especially for copper (Cu) with performance improvement. In the present paper, the well dispersion of functionalized CNTs (F-CNTs) is obtained at the first time, accompanied by using pulse reverse electrodeposition (PRED) technology, leading to formation of the ultrahigh electrical conductivity composite films of Cu/F-CNTs. These composite films exhibit an ultrahigh electrical conductivity of up to 6.1 × 10⁷ S/m (increased by 105.4% of that international annealed copper standard, IACS), but maintain a high hardness of 82.3 HV and tensile strength of 297.1 MPa. It is believed that this work opens new perspectives to develop ultrahigh electrical conductivity composite materials and would role as electric wire for reducing energy loss.