Ni/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) composite films were deposited on the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) by a Ni plating bath containing homogeneously dispersed MWCNTs using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as dispersion additive. Incorporation of MWCNTs into Ni matrix was greatly enhanced by the application of cyclic voltammetric (CV) deposition technique. The structure and nature of the Ni/MWCNT were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that the content of MWCNT and the morphology of the deposited Ni/MWCNT composite film can be controlled by selecting the appropriate electroplating conditions. Further study indicates that the obtained Ni/MWCNT showed excellent electro-catalytic activity for the oxidation of ethanol in alkaline solution.
