Preparation and characterization of NiO nanoparticles from thermal decomposition of the [Ni(en)3](NO3)2 complex: A facile and low-temperature route

NiO nanoparticles with an average size of 15 nm were easily prepared via the thermal decomposition of the tris(ethylenediamine)Ni(II) nitrate complex [Ni(en)3](NO3)2 as a new precursor at low temperature, and the nanoparticles were characterized by thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV–Vis spectroscopy, BET specific surface area measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and magnetic measurements. The magnetic measurements confirm that the product shows a ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature, which may be ascribed to a size confinement effect. The NiO nanoparticles prepared by this method could be an appropriate photocatalytic material due to a strong absorption band at 325 nm. This method is simple, fast, safe, low-cost and also suitable for industrial production of high purity NiO nanoparticles for applied purposes.

Graphical abstractNiO nanoparticles with an average size of 15 nm were easily prepared via the thermal decomposition of the tris(ethylenediamine)Ni(II) nitrate complex [Ni(en)3](NO3)2 as a new precursor at low temperature. This method is simple, fast, safe, low-cost and also suitable for industrial production of high purity NiO nanoparticles for applied purposes.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► The Ni(en)3(NO3)2 complex was quickly decomposed at low temperature. ► NiO nanoparticles were prepared via the explosive decomposition of Ni(en)3(NO3)2. ► NiO nanoparticles show a ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature. ► This method is simple, low-cost and suitable for industrial production.