Novel hierarchical nanostructures of nickel: Self-assembly of hexagonal nanoplatelets

Novel hierarchical nanostructures of nickel, which were assembled by well-aligned hexagonal nanoplatelets, were fabricated through a simple solution method. The process involved the reduction of nickel dimethylglyoximate with hydrazine under controlled conditions. Based on a series of contrast experiments, the formation mechanism of the flowers was proposed, which could be ascribed to the cooperative effect of the complexant of dimethylglyoxime, a proper reaction rate, and inherent magnetic interactions. The present work provided an example for the synthesis of magnetic assembly nanostructures through properly selection of the reaction conditions, which were independent of any surfactants or external magnetic field.