Investigations on electrodeposited ni clusters used as catalysts for carbon nanostructures

Ni clusters suitable as carbon nanostructures catalysts were electrodeposited on glassy carbon substrate. The interaction between deposit and substrate has a determinant role in carbon nanostructures growth; for this reason the interface between electrodeposited Ni clusters and glassy carbon was studied by using XPS, TEM and SIMS characterizations. The results evidenced the presence of an oxidised thin layer at the interface between metal deposit and carbon substrate that assure a strong bond between deposit and support.