Influence of PEG Stoichiometry on Structure-Tuned Formation of Self-Assembled Submicron Nickel Particles

Abstract

Self-assembled submicron nickel particles were successfully synthesized via the one-step surfactant-assisted solvothermal method. The impact of surfactant and reducing agent stoichiometry is investigated in this manuscript. Different morphologies and structures of Ni particles, including flower-like nanoflakes, hydrangea-like structures, chain structures, sphere-like structures, and hollow structures were prepared through different processing conditions with two parameters such as temperature and time. Based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), the submicron nickel particles show good saturation magnetization and excellent thermal stabilities with a possible growth mechanism for the variety of the structure-tuned formation. Importantly, the microwave absorption properties of the submicron nickel particles were studied. The lowest reflection loss of Ni-P9/T200/H15 with a thin layer thickness of 1.7 mm can reach −42.6 dB at 17.3 GHz.

Synthesis of Metallic Nanocrystals: From Noble Metals to Base Metals

“…A series of synthesis methods have successfully developed to produce ultrafine Ni powders, including sonochemical synthesis, electrodeposition, electrochemical corrosion, and thermal decomposition and so on [138,139,140,141]. However, most of the methods seem not appropriate for mass production and shape control at the same time, in consideration of the complex of technique and the high cost of equipment.…”

“…Growth mechanism for the formation of the structures was proposed based on the experimental results, and the as-synthesized Ni particles had good thermal stability. [141,163]. SEM images of self-assembled Ni particles are shown in Figure 8.…”

“…The scale bars apply to all images in a column. Reproduced from [141] in Materials published by MDPI.…”