In situ fabrication of high-percent Ni–graphene nanocomposite coating

A novel approach was presented for deposition of nickel–graphene nanocomposite coating on copper. Unlike conventional methods, graphene and graphene oxide nanosheets were not used. The basis of the method is to synthesize graphene oxide by oxidation of graphite anode during the electrochemical deposition process. The obtained graphene oxide sheets were reduced during the deposition in the cathode and co-formed with the nickel deposition in the coating. The pulsed ultrasonic force was applied during the deposition process. When the ultrasonic force stops, the deposition process begins. Scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the presence of graphene nanosheets in the coating. The amount of graphene nanosheets increases up to a maximum of 14.8 wt% by increasing the time of applying ultrasonic force to 6 s. In addition, with the presence of graphene in the nickel coating, the wear rate dramatically decreased.