Metal-CNT composite, production method and materials therefor

A method for producing a composite material, comprising:

• providing a layer of carbon nanotubes by depositing, on a substrate, carbon nanotubes coated with a polyphenol coating, the polyphenol coating being crosslinked by metal ions,
• filling interstices of the carbon nanotubes layer with a metal so as to form a metal matrix, in which the carbon nanotubes are embedded, said filling being effected by electrodeposition or by electroless deposition;
• wherein said metal ions promote, as metal seeds, at least one of adhesion and growth of the metal matrix during the filling step,
• wherein deposition of the metal matrix is continued when the filling of the interstices is complete, so as to form a metal capping layer on the composite material.

A method for producing a composite material, comprising:

• providing a layer of carbon nanotubes by depositing, on a substrate, carbon nanotubes coated with a polyphenol coating, the polyphenol coating being crosslinked by metal ions,
• filling interstices of the carbon nanotubes layer with a metal so as to form a metal matrix, in which the carbon nanotubes are embedded, said filling being effected by electrodeposition or by electroless deposition;
• wherein said metal ions promote, as metal seeds, at least one of adhesion and growth of the metal matrix during the filling step;
• and
• wherein the composite material is annealed.