Preparation and characterization of nickel-coated carbon nanofibers produced from the electropsinning of polyamideimide precursor

Nickel-coated carbon nanofibers were prepared using an electroless plating method. The carbon fibers were fabricated with polyamideimide (PAI) by electrospinning, and the characteristics of the nickel-coated carbon fibers were then examined to determine the effect of the nickel coating. The carbon fiber structural properties morphology were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron spectroscopy (SEM). The electrical conductivity of the fibers was measured using a 4-point testing method. The results showed that the electrical conductivity of the fibers increased with as plating time increased. The electrical conductivity increased remarkably in the presence of metallic nickel particles on the carbon fiber surfaces. This experiment established the optimum conditions for plating on the carbon fiber surfaces that provided the best electrical conductivity.