Modifying effects of polyethylene glycols and sodium dodecyl sulfate on synthesis of Ni nanocrystals in 1,2-propanediol

Morphology-controlled synthesis of nickel (Ni) nanocrystals has been carried out from nickel acetate tetrahydrate with 1,2-propanediol as both solvent and reductant in the presence of modifiers. The as-prepared nanostructured Ni samples have been characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron micrographs (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The presence of modifiers plays an important role in morphology-controlled synthesis of Ni nanocrystals. The modifying and stabilizing effects of single modifiers such as polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and their composites have been investigated.