Formation of Ni/NiO core/shell nanostructures and their attachment on carbon nanotubes

N. Chopra, L. Claypoole, L.G. Bachas
University of Alabama, US

Keywords: wet chemical synthesis, nickel, nickel oxide, core/shell, hollow nanoparticles, carbon nanotube, chemical functionalization

Abstract:

We report a facile wet synthesis method coupled with microwave irradiation to successfully control the morphology of Ni/NiO core/shell nanoparticles. Furthermore, we report for the first time, microwave-based synthesis of hollow NiO nanostructures from Ni nanoparticles. To achieve high surface area and minimal aggregation, Ni/NiO core/shell nanoparticles were chemically attached to carbon nanotubes. Ni/NiO core/shell nanoparticles are of significant interests due to their applications in supercapacitors, electrochromic devices, and catalysis.