Enabling the low‐cost preparation of core‐shell WC–Ni powder by developing a non‐noble metal‐based catalytic

Abstract

A novel method of incorporating fluidized bed chemical vapor deposition (FBCVD) with electroless plating was developed to effectively prepare the core‐shell structured high‐Ni‐content WC–Ni composite powders. FBCVD offered a unique approach to decorating Ni particles on WC particles. The small Ni particle acted as an active catalyst to effectively produce high‐Ni‐content composite powders in the subsequent electroless plating process. The particle size and quantity of decorated Ni particle determined the electroless plating rate. FBCVD pretreatment temperature and time had a conflicting influence on obtaining both the fine size and large quantity of deposited Ni particles. For the conditions tested, the maximum electroless plating rate of 2.93 mg/g/min was obtained using an optimal FBCVD pretreatment at 750°C for 5 minutes, corresponding to a 0.11 wt. % Ni deposition and 50 nm particle size.