Electrodeposition and characterisation of Cu–CeO₂ nanocomposite coatings

Abstract

The Cu–CeO₂ nanocomposite coatings were prepared by electrodeposition method from an acid copper plating bath containing CeO₂ nanoparticles. The crystallite size, structure and texture were characterised by X-ray diffraction. The average crystallite size was ∼32 nm for electrodeposited pure copper coating and ∼30 nm for Cu–CeO₂ nanocomposite coating. The measured texture was (220) for both the pure copper coating and Cu–CeO₂ nanocomposite coating. Scanning electron microscopy with EDX confirmed the structure morphology composition of Cu–CeO₂ nanocomposite. Cu–CeO₂ nanocomposite coating exhibited increased microhardness and wear resistance than the pure copper coating. The corrosion resistance properties of electrodeposited pure copper and Cu–CeO₂ nanocomposite coatings were evaluated by electrochemical AC impedance and Tafel polarisation studies. Cu–CeO₂ nanocomposite coating had more corrosion resistance than the pure copper coating in 3·5%NaCl solution.

Keywords:

• Nanocomposites
• Electrodeposition
• Nanocoating
• Corrosion
• Microhardness