Preparation of nanosized nickel powders by reduction in 1,2-propanediol

The nanosized nickel powders with a face centered cubic structure and a size of less than 50 nm were synthesized by the reduction of tetra hydrated nickel acetate in 1,2-propanediol. The factors such as the reducing system, the intermediate phase, the concentration of NaOH influencing on the preparation of Ni nanoparticles were investigated by means of electron diffraction pattern, XRD and TEM. The results show that a complete reaction might be available more easily in polyol solution than in the polyol-water solution. Through the comparison of effects of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol on the chemical reaction, it is indicated that the size of Ni crystallite particles might decrease obviously, and the complete reaction time might be shortened greatly with propylene glycol as the reducing agent. Different reaction mechanisms might result in the different purity and particle sizes of nickel powders.