Nickel Nanoparticles: Controlled Size and Morphology in Mesoporous Clay

Supported nickel nanoparticles Montmorillonite K 10 clay composite has been synthesized in situ by ethylene glycol reduction of nickel acetate impregnated Montmorillonite K 10 clay having a metal salt loading in the range 1 to 6 mmol g(-1) of the support. A TEM study reveals formation of spherical metal nanoparticles in a well-ordered matrix of mesoporous clay with different size range, i.e., 9.5-11.5 nm for lower salt concentration, while with higher metal salt concentration yield, either a wide-range, 1-25 nm particle size distribution or much agglomerated higher size. XRD study reveals Face Center Cubic (FCC) structure of the Ni degrees nanoparticles. Optical absorption spectra indicate formation of Ni degrees nanoparticles supported on a mesoporous clay matrix.