Electrophoretic deposition of Ni nanoparticles from suspension on to a Ni plate

Ni nanoparticles of average size 70 nm were dispersed in a mixed solution of ethanol (100 ml) and a dispersant (Hypermer KD-2, HKD-2). The suspension was ultrasonicated for 90 min, then electrophoretic deposition (EPD) was performed with deposition times from 5 to 10 min at a constant potential of 180 V. The highest absolute value of the zeta potential was −32.5 mV at 1 wt% HKD-2. Coating of the Ni particles on an Ni plate was performed by use of a suspension with high conductivity. Important conditions for electrophoretic deposition of Ni particles on to an Ni plate are high conductivity of the suspension and a large absolute value of the zeta potential. Significant agglomeration of Ni particles was observed during deposition when the EPD time was increased.