A simple synthesis of metallic Ni and Ni–Co alloy fine powders from a mixed-metal acetate precursor

A new process for the synthesis of metallic Ni, and Ni–Co alloy nanoparticles at a relatively low temperature is reported. The process consists of heating a precursor containing a methyl hydrazine complex of the respective metal ions in nitrogen atmosphere at temperature as low as 400 °C. The metallic Ni and Ni–Co alloy powders are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The crystalline nanoparticles showed a narrow distribution in the particle size and homogeneous spherical form with mean diameter around 0.40 μm.