Effect of Nitrogen-doped Carbon Layer on Performance of Copper-carbon Nanotube Fiber Composites and Mechanism
Highly conductive copper-carbon nanotube fiber composites(Cu@NC@CNTF)were synthesized using carbon nanotube fibers(CNTF),dopamine hydrochloride,and copper sulfate pentahydrate as raw materials by sequential processes of immersion,heat treatment,and electrochemical deposition.The surface of the composite fibers was morphologically characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy,and the surface of the nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube fibers(NC@CNTF)was structurally analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering station.The interfacial modification of the nitrogen-doped carbon layer efficiently regulated the surface wettability of CNTF,leading to a strong coupling between CNTF and Cu.The controllable preparation and performance improvement of Cu@NC@CNTF composite fibers were achieved through interfacial optimization and regulation of current density magnitude,and the electrical conductivity and specific conductivity of Cu@NC@CNTF reached 3.06×107 S/m and 7571.48 S-m2/kg,respectively.This super hydrophilic Cu@NC@CNTF-based composite material provides an idea for ideas for manufacturing new industrial grade power supply conductors with light weight and high electrical conductivity.