Structural and Magnetic Properties of Nickel Nanoparticles Prepared by Arc Discharge Method Using an Ultrasonic Nebulizer

Abstract

Synthesis of nanoparticles with unique properties has attracted a lot of interest of scientists and researchers these days. A key aspect of being able to manipulate the properties of the nanomaterials is the nanoscale architecture and engineering by various processing techniques. A synthetic strategy was developed to control the preparation of nickel nanoparticles Ni-NPs produced using an arc discharge technique with an ultrasonic nebulizer. The sample was characterized for its structural and magnetic properties using X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectrophotometer, zeta potential, high resolution transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscope, vibrating sample magnetometer. The resulted sample unveiled small, spherical and homogeneous Ni nanoparticles with an average size 15 nm lower than the critical size which indicates a superparamagnetic behavior. The zeta potential measurements shows + 49.01 ± 3.2 mV which confirms the synthesis of stable Ni nanoparticles. A UV–Vis spectrum of the nanosized Ni sample shows a sharp absorption peak between 362 and 380 nm. The magnetic properties shows no hysteresis and zero results for coercivity force and remanence that indicates superparamagnetic behavior of the Ni nanoparticles.