Electrodeposition and characterisation of Cu-CeO2 nanocomposite coatings

The Cu-CeO2 nanocomposite coatings were prepared by electrodeposition method from an acid copper plating bath containing CeO2 nanoparticles. The crystallite size, structure and texture were characterised by X-ray diffraction. The average crystallite size was similar to 32 nm for electrodeposited pure copper coating and similar to 30 nm for Cu-CeO2 nanocomposite coating. The measured texture was (220) for both the pure copper coating and Cu-CeO2 nanocomposite coating. Scanning electron microscopy with EDX confirmed the structure morphology composition of Cu-CeO2 nanocomposite. Cu-CeO2 nanocomposite coating exhibited increased microhardness and wear resistance than the pure copper coating. The corrosion resistance properties of electrodeposited pure copper and Cu-CeO2 nanocomposite coatings were evaluated by electrochemical AC impedance and Tafel polarisation studies. Cu-CeO2 nanocomposite coating had more corrosion resistance than the pure copper coating in 3.5% NaCl solution.