Synthesis and properties of highly stable nickel/carbon core/shell nanostructures

• Published in: Carbon (New York) Vol. 48; no. 5; pp. 1643 - 1651
• Main Authors: Sunny, Vijutha, Sakthi Kumar, D., Yoshida, Yasuhiko, Makarewicz, Magdalena, Tabiś, Wojciech, Anantharaman, M.R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2010; Elsevier
• Subjects: Annealing; Carbon; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Fullerenes and related materials; diamonds, graphite; Materials science; Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Nanostructure; Nickel; Physics; Shells; Specific materials; Synthesis; Powders; Annealing; Thick coatings; Thermogravimetry; XRD; Nanostructures; Raman spectroscopy; Carbon; High-resolution methods; Thermal stability; Synthesis; Transition elements; Nickel; Low temperature; Electrons; Magnetic properties
• ISSN: 0008-6223; 1873-3891
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2010.01.006

A simple and cost effective technique for obtaining highly stable carbon coated nickel nanostructures at relatively low reaction temperatures is reported. Thermogravimetric analysis was carried out to optimize the annealing temperatures. The powder X-ray diffraction pattern reveals peaks corresponding to face centered cubic nickel. High resolution transmission electron micrograph shows the formation of nickel nanostructures with ∼5nm thick carbon coating. This is confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. The nickel/carbon core/shell nanostructures exhibited a shelf life of more than a year, with high thermal stability and excellent magnetic properties. This synthesis route provides scope for large scale production of nickel/carbon nanostructures.