Preparation of Ni-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites by Pd-activated electroless deposition and their magnetic properties

► A novel multi-step electroless deposition was employed to fabricate Ni/graphene hybrid materials. ► Nickel nanoparticles with a diameter around 20 nm were distributed uniformly on graphene sheets. ► Graphene oxide was reduced during electroless deposition. ► As-prepared Ni-RGO nanocomposites exhibit ferromagnetic properties with saturation magnetization of 11.05 emu/g and coercivity of 200 Oe, which hold a broad prospect of applications.