Fabrication of Ni-P/palygorskite core-shell linear powder via electroless deposition

Palygorskite is a kind of hydrated magnesium aluminium silicate clay mineral. A novel linear core-shell structured Ni-P coated micro-fiber palygorskite (MFP) was fabricated via an electroless (EL) plating process in an alkaline bath. The composition, morphology and structure of the as-prepared products were characterized by the techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). It was observed that the size and morphology of Ni-P coated MFPs were altered by depositing temperature and time. The as-prepared Ni-P coated MFPs showed good conductivity. To the best of our knowledge, the Ni-P coated MFPs have not been reported before. And this fabrication process might also apply in preparing other metal coated MFPs such as silver, copper and palladium.

► A linear core-shell Ni-P/micro-fiber palygorskite was fabricated. ► The powder was then characterized by SEM, EDS, and XRD. ► The powder exhibited good conductivity based on its linear structure. ► The powder forming mechanism was investigated.