Simple Synthesis and Characterization of Shell-Thickness-Controlled Ni/Ni₃C Core-Shell Nanoparticles

Ni/Ni₃C core-shell nanoparticles with an average diameter of approximately 120 nm were carburized via a chemical solution method using triethylene glycol. It was found that over time, the nanoparticles were covered with a thin Ni₃C shell measuring approximately 1-4 nm, and each Ni core was composed of poly grains. The saturation magnetization of the core-shell nanopowders decreased in proportion to the amount of Ni₃C. The synthesis mechanism of the Ni/Ni₃C core-shell nanoparticles was proposed through X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses.