Solvothermal synthesis and magnetic properties of 3D flower-like NiHPO(3).H(2)O superstructures

A self-assembled three-dimensional (3D) flower-like NiHPO(3).H(2)O micro/nanocomposite structure has been successfully synthesized for the first time by a simple solvothermal method, employing Na(6)P(6)O(18) as the phosphor source without the assistance of any template or surfactant. The as-obtained product was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The formation mechanism was proposed based on the evolution of this morphology as a function of solvothermal time. Some factors influencing the morphology of the NiHPO(3).H(2)O flower-like micro/nanocomposite structures were systematically investigated. The magnetic measurements demonstrated that the flower-like 3D superstructures exhibit ferromagnetic property.