Magnetic nanofilms of nickel prepared at the liquid–liquid interface

Thin films of metallic nickel with a thickness of the order of 20 nm have been prepared at the organic–aqueous interface at room temperature by the reaction of nickel cupferronate [Ni(C6H5N2O2)2] in toluene medium and sodium borohydride (NaBH4) in aqueous medium. The films were characterized with transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Thicker Ni films could be prepared by carrying out the reaction at the interface at 60 °C. The Ni nanofilms exhibit superparamagnetic behavior.

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► Formation of nickel thinfims at the organic–aqueous interface at room temperature.
► Thickness of nanofilm is ∼20 nm.
► Ni nanofilms exhibit superparamagnetic behavior.
► Thicker Ni films are obtained at a higher temperature (60 °C).