Synthesis of nickel nanoparticles with uniform size via a modified hydrazine reduction route

Well dispersed nickel nanoparticles with uniform size were synthesized via a modified hydrazine reduction route without any surfactant introduced. Ethanol was used as solvent and played the complementary reducing role. The as-prepared samples were characterized by XRD, FESEM, TEM and TG. Pure metallic Ni could be easily obtained when ethanol instead of water was used as solvent. The particle surface was much improved when ethanol was involved in the reduction process at high temperature. The resultant particles have smooth surface and uniform size of about 50 nm. The nickel powders have an oxidization temperature of about 200 °C. The formation process was discussed based on the experimental results.