A Critical Review of Carbon Nanotube-Based Surface Coatings

Abstract

The emergence of carbon nanotubes (CNT) has encouraged widespread interest among researchers with many pioneering applications achieved by exploiting the unique properties of carbon allotropes. This article is a general overview of the diversity of applications of CNT and their various forms, particularly, in the area of surface coatings. The different methods, which have been developed and practiced in the preparation, dispersion, functionalization, and metallization of CNT, are elucidated. The composite coatings have been prepared using electrochemical methods such as electroplating and electroless plating. The review presents the mechanical, electrochemical, corrosion, thermal, electrical conduction, tribological, biosensing, magnetic, and microwave absorbing properties of CNT-based composites. The incorporation of CNT substantially affects the coating performance, and the level of influence can be befittingly adjusted to suit the application needs. Various characterization studies have been conducted on these coatings, emphasizing their properties. The potential of CNT as a versatile material in catering to diverse industrial applications has placed the carbon allotrope among the elite group of materials, drawing the attention of researchers to widen their scope of utilization. The challenges, problems, and ways of the overcoming are also addressed in this review.