Surface modified Ni nanoparticles produced by the electrical explosion of wire

Abstract

Spherical nickel nanoparticles were prepared by the electrical explosion of wire. The as prepared nanoparticles were modified immediately after fabrication at room temperature in order to provide tunable surface properties with focus on the development of composites filled with nanoparticles. Following liquid modificators were used: hexane, toluene and the solution of polystyrene in toluene. In one case the surface modification by carbon was made in gas phase as a result of hydrocarbon injection. The average size of the nanoparticles was about 50 nm and unit cell parameters were close to 0.351 nm. Detailed characterization was done by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and magnetization measurements. Sphericity was also checked using microwave resonant absorption. © (2015) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.