Electrical Properties of Iodine-Doped Cu/f-CNT Coated Aluminum Wires by Electrophoresis with Copper Sulfate Solution

Abstract

This work investigated the effects of iodine on copper/functionalized carbon nanotubes (Cu/f-CNT) that were used in the coating of 1350 Aluminum Alloy wires, using the process of electrophoretic exposure with a solution of copper sulfate and iodine, under an electrical current of 1.2 A and a voltage of 10 V. The Al@Cu/f-CNT was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy in Secondary Electron mode, X-ray Diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, in addition to electrical measurements, at room temperature and under heating, via kelvin bridge. The results showed an increase of approximately 18% in the electrical conductivity of the IACS compared to the standard aluminum conductor, due to the iodine doping of the outer walls of the f-CNT, causing an expansion between the layers, and reflecting the increase in the conduction channels. This method of electrodeposition of Cu/f-CNT on the surface of metallic wires shows promise for the production of nanostructured cables with high ampacity, lightness and high performance, for application in power transmission lines.