Graphene coated copper and silver coated copper have essential differences in conductivity, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, and their applicable scenarios are also different.
Simply , the conclusion is:
Silver coated copper has better overall conductivity in traditional DC and low-frequency fields.
Graphene coated copper has great potential for theoretical performance in high-frequency (MHz GHz) application scenarios, and may even be better, but its current industrial maturity is far inferior to silver coated copper.
Detailed interpretation and application scenario analysis
First. Silver coated copper (Ag coated Cu)
Working principle: A layer of silver with a thickness of several micrometers to tens of micrometers is formed on the surface of copper through electroplating or chemical plating. Silver has better conductivity than copper, as this layer of silver provides both high conductivity and protects the internal copper from oxidation.
Advantage:
1. Mature and stable technology is the industry standard.
2. The conductivity of DC and low-frequency AC is impeccable.
3. It has good brazing properties and connection reliability.
Disadvantages:
1. High cost, greatly affected by fluctuations in silver prices.
2. Silver will generate non-conductive silver sulfide (Ag ₂ S) films in sulfur-containing environments, leading to an increase in contact resistance over time (blackening).
3. The silver layer is thick and heavy.
Typical applications:
1. High performance audio cable, professional audio cable.
2. Low frequency and high reliability connectors and contacts.
3. In situations where excellent brazing performance is required.
2. Graphene coated Cu
Working principle: Graphene thin films with atomic thickness ranging from 1 to 10 layers are grown on copper surfaces using methods such as CVD and electrochemical deposition. It mainly prevents copper oxidation through its perfect shielding properties, thereby maintaining the high conductivity of copper itself. Meanwhile, its high electron mobility is advantageous for high-frequency signal transmission.
Advantage:
1. Unparalleled antioxidant and corrosion resistance, excellent long-term stability.
2. The extremely high electron mobility provides potential huge advantages for high-frequency and high-speed data transmission (5G, 6G, millimeter wave), which can reduce signal attenuation.
3. The coating is extremely thin and light, which does not affect the mechanical properties of the substrate material.
4. The cost of raw materials (carbon) is extremely low.
Disadvantages:
1. Industrial preparation is difficult, and the cost of high-quality coatings is currently high.
2. The coating is too thin, and sometimes its mechanical wear resistance is not as good as that of metal plating.
3. The bonding force with the substrate and the contact resistance between layers are technical difficulties.
Typical applications (current and future):
1. High frequency millimeter wave connectors and base station antennas: Utilize their low high-frequency loss potential.
2. High speed data cables: used for next-generation data centers and consumer electronics.
3. High reliability electronic components: used for interconnection in harsh environments (high temperature and high humidity).
4. Lithium ion battery current collector: improves battery energy density and lifespan (not only for conductivity, but also for corrosion prevention).
If you need a high-quality audio cable or a universal high conductivity connector, silver clad copper is a mature, reliable, and high-performance choice. It provides top-level conductivity from the inside out.
If you are looking towards future 6G communication, millimeter wave technology, or special environments that require extreme oxidation resistance, graphene coated copper represents a more cutting-edge and promising technological direction. It does not simply provide "better" conductivity, but rather offers a more stable and adaptable conductive solution for high-frequency scenarios.
SAT NANO is a best supplier of Silver coated copper powder in China, we can offer nanoparticle and micron particle size. we still do the research of Graphene coated Cu, if you have any interest, please feel free to contact us at sales03@satnano.com
