Sputtering Targets

Pure native nickel is found in Earth's crust only in tiny amounts, usually in ultramafic rocks. Nickel nanoparticles are transition metal particles and come in the size range of 10 – 40 nm (approx.). It is a black silvery lustrous metal powder which is hard and ductile in nature. Nickel nanoparticles can be alloyed by tungsten, molybdenum, chromium, iron and with other metals to form corrosion resistant alloys.

A lot of different methods of synthesis of metal nanoparticles are known, namely, physical (sputtering or mechanical dispersion of bulk substances), chemical (reduction of metal ions in solutions under conditions favorable for the formation of small metal particles). Nickel nanoparticles are mostly synthesized by chemical reduction method.

Due to the enhanced optical properties of Nickel Nanoparticles, Quantum effect can be seen in these particles. They are electrically ­­conductive and hence can be used for several applications. Metal nanoparticles of nickel, iron and cobalt are relatively difficult to synthesis because they easily get oxidized. Among them, nickel is the most stable particle. Nickel nanoparticles have important applications in catalysis and magnetic materials.