Direct activation of copper electroplating on conductive composite of polythiophene surface-coated with nickel nanoparticles. (1st December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Jiujuan; Zhou, Guoyun; Jin, Xiaofeng; Hong, Yan; He, Wei; Wang, Shouxu; Chen, Yuanming; Yang, Wenjun; Su, Xinhong
• Is Part Of: Composites. Number 154(2018)
• Page Start: 257
• Page End: 262
• Publication Date: 2018-12-01
• Subjects: Polymer-matrix composites -- Microstructures -- Surface analysis -- Electrical properties; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Materials science -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 620.118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2018.08.019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-8368

Abstract

Abstract: In this work, a novel method involving conductive polymer and nanoparticles for copper electroplating on insulating substrate is proposed. Nickel nanoparticles introduced into the network of polythiophene (PT) to form PT-based composite are confirmed to be the essential prerequisite to initiate copper electroplating. It thus realizes the direct metal electroplating on conductive polymers-based composite. Multiple characterizations are conducted to confirm that the nickel nanoparticles act as metal crystal nucleus for copper deposition during the electroplating. The electroplating rate and peel strength are systematically examined to evaluate the practical performances of as-obtained copper on PT-based composite. Experimental results show that the conductive composite of PT surface-coated with nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) mediated copper layer holds excellent adhesion property in comparison with the one generated through conventional metal deposition method. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Polythiophene was coated with nickel nanoparticles to form good conductive composite. Directly electroplating was carried out on insulating substrate surface with conductive polymer composite. Copper line pattern could be plated on polythiophene-based conductive composite for electrical transmission.