Effect of Al2O3 coating thickness on the thermal stability of Cu–carbon nanotube hybrids
摘要
Hybrids of carbon nanotube and metals have been regarded as promising candidate for flexible circuit, where thermal stability of nanograined metals is a challenging issue. In this study, we find thermal stability of Cu layer in CNT–Cu hybrids can be improved by coating Al2O3 layer. As for CNT–Cu hybrids, Cu nanograins are agglomerated during 673 K annealing. In contrast, the agglomeration of CNT–Cu hybrids can be suppressed after coating Al2O3 layer, and exhibit a thickness-dependent thermal stability after annealing at higher temperature. The underlying mechanism might be the compressive stress applied by Al2O3 coatings and inhibited diffusion along Cu/Al2O3 interfaces.
Graphical abstract