Performance enhancement of graphene assisted CNT/Cu composites for lightweight electrical cables

With the increase in electrification, the demand for the functionality and features of electric vehicles (EVs) is increasing, and accordingly, the required weight of copper (Cu) is increasing. Additionally, Cu usage increase as the wiring/functions of autonomous vehicles (AVs) increase. Therefore, limited energy efficiency due to the high mass density of Cu electrical cables has become a challenging issue to be overcome. With this trend, carbon-metal core-shell wire is an attractive lightweight material. It remains a challenge to further improve the properties of previously reported carbon-metal core-shell wire. Here, we report CNTF-Cu-Gr wires obtained by introducing graphene into Cu electroplated on CNTFs. Electroplated Cu was coated with graphene via chemical vapor deposition, which also provided synergetic effects, enabling better thermal and electrical properties. These CNTF-Cu-Gr wires exhibit excellent overall performance in terms of mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties and are lightweight. We expect that these dual core-shell wires will be used in practical applications in the near future.