Objective To investigate the effect of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on the electrodeposition behavior and quality of nickel coating on carbon fiber surface. Methods The electroplating nickel deposition potential for different concentrations of SDS solution was measured using linear sweep voltammetry. The morphology of nickel plating surface in the beginning of the electrodeposition of nickel was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Results The deposition potential of nickel in the solution without additives was about -0. 829 V. When adding 0. 1 ~0. 5 g/ L of SDS, the deposition potential of nickel in the solution increased to -0. 792 ~ 0. 745 V, and the maximum deposition potential( -0. 745 V) of nickel was 0. 3 g / L SDS in the additive. Conclusion The results showed that adding a small amount of SDS solution was beneficial to improve the deposition potential of nickel, which could promote the deposition of nickel plating. The surface of nickel coating consising of a pyramid shaped fine structure was uniform and compact, but excessive amount of SDS would affect the equilibrium of adsorption and desorption on the surface of carbon fiber. There was a SDS micro area of non-desorption on the carbon fiber surface and the nucleation of precipitates in this area was affected. The surface of nickel coating consisting of unevenly distributed pyramidal structure and lamellar structure vertical to the base had poor quality. The optimal concentration of the SDS additive in the solution system should be 0. 3 g / L.