Controlled growth of composite nanowires based on coating Ni on carbon nanotubes by electrochemical deposition method

A novel electrochemical deposition method has been used for coating Ni onto well-aligned multiwall carbon nanotubes. Both synthesis of carbon nanotubes and deposition of Ni are processed in porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAC) templates. The design of the AAO pores allows us easily to control the size of nanotubes and the thickness of the Ni coating. Without any surface treatment to the carbon nanotubes, a continuous and smooth Ni layer is achieved.