Synthesis and dispersion of Ni(OH)2 platelet-like nanoparticles in water

The influence of anisotropy on the microstructure and magnetic properties of dipolar nanoplatelet suspensions

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in magnetic nanoparticles with non-spherical shapes. This is largely due to their broad span of tuneable properties, which allow for tailoring of the colloidal properties by altering the magnetic anisometry or shape anisotropy of the nanoparticle. Although extensive research has gone into novel synthesis methods, the theoretical and analytical treatment of magnetic colloidal suspensions still predominantly focuses on spherical particles. This paper explores the microstructure and initial static magnetic susceptibility of systems of anisometric dipolar magnetic nanoplatelets in order to understand the applicability of dipolar sphere-based theories and models for such systems. We find that the microstructure as characterized by the particle distribution and magnetic clustering of platelets diverges significantly from that of spheres both quantitatively and qualitatively. We find lower initial static magnetic susceptibilities in nanoplatelet systems than in comparable suspensions of dipolar spheres. At lower values of the magnetic coupling constant, this can be accounted for by applying corrections to the volume fraction. However, this approach is less accurate for systems with stronger magnetic interactions. By providing predictions of and explanations for the observed effects, we aim to facilitate the use of magnetic nanoplatelet suspensions in the broad range of applications.

In situ generated nickel on cerium oxide nanoparticle for efficient catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol

Absorption spectra recorded using UV-visible spectrometer during the reduction process of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol in the presence of reducing agent (NaBH₄) and catalyst (Ni(NO₃)₂/CeO₂).

Influence of ultrasound on the instantaneous synthesis of tridimensional α-Ni(OH)2 nanostructures and derived NiO nanoparticles

Nickel hydroxides present an extraordinary importance in the development of electrochemical devices.

Deposition and transport of functionalized carbon nanotubes in water-saturated sand columns

Knowledge of the fate and transport of functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in porous media is crucial to understand their environmental impacts. In this study, laboratory column and modeling experiments were conducted to mechanistically compare the retention and transport of two types of functionalized CNTs (i.e., single-walled nanotubes and multi-walled nanotubes) in acid-cleaned, baked, and natural sand under unfavorable conditions. The CNTs were highly mobile in the acid-cleaned sand columns but showed little transport in the both natural and baked sand columns. In addition, the retention of the CNTs in the both baked and natural sand was strong and almost irreversible even after reverse, high-velocity, or surfactant flow flushing. Both experimental and modeling results showed that pH is one of the factors dominating CNT retention and transport in natural and baked sand. Retention of the functionalized CNTs in the natural and baked sand columns reduced dramatically when the system pH increased. Our results suggest that the retention and transport of the functionalized CNTs in natural sand porous media were mainly controlled by strong surface deposition through the electrostatic and/or hydrogen-bonding attractions between surface function groups of the CNTs and metal oxyhydroxide impurities on the sand surfaces.

Effect of reaction conditions on size and morphology of ultrasonically prepared Ni(OH)(2) powders

Modern electrochemical devices require the morphological control of the active material. In this paper the synthesis of nickel hydroxide, as common active compound of such devices, is presented. The influence of ultrasound in the synthesis of nickel hydroxide from aqueous ammonia complexes is studied showing that ultrasound allows the fabrication of flower-like particles with sizes ranging in between 0.7 and 1.0μm in contrast with the 6-8μm particles obtained in the absence of ultrasound. The influence of gas flow, temperature of the process and surfactants in the ultrasonically prepared powders is discussed in term of shape, size and agglomeration of the particles. Adjusting the experimental condition, spherical or platelet-like particles are obtained with sizes ranging from 1.3μm to 200nm.

Magneto-orientational properties of ionically stabilized aqueous dispersions of Ni(OH)2 nanoplatelets

Magnetic and orientational behavior of nickel hydroxide nanoplatelets ionically stabilized in a liquid matrix is studied. Under an applied field the platelets orient their faces normal to its direction. For characterization of the individual behavior of dispersed and non-interacting particles three techniques are used: SAXS, SQUID and magneto-optics. Analysis reveals that nickel hydroxide in a platelet phase is paramagnetic with a pronounced anisotropy of the intrinsic susceptibility, the major component of which (in the direction normal to platelet face) exceeds the minor one by about 25%.

Preparation and shape control of β-Ni(OH)2 nano-particle

A simple and convenient method for the preparation of needle-shape nanoparticles of β-Ni(OH)2 has been developed. Results show that a needle-shaped β-Ni(OH)2 can be easily obtained in the presence of ethylenediamine and sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate within a size from 100 to 200 nm. The shape and structure of the product were characterized by XRD, TEM and FT-IR. It is noteworthy that the formation of needle-shape β-Ni(OH)2 benefits from the addition of sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate. The optimum preparation conditions and the possible mechanism are also discussed.

Effects of heavy metals and oxalate on the zeta potential of magnetite

Zeta potential is a function of surface coverage by charged species at a given pH, and it is theoretically determined by the activity of the species in solution. The zeta potentials of particles occurring in soils, such as clay and iron oxide minerals, directly affect the efficiency of the electrokinetic soil remediation. In this study, zeta potential of natural magnetite was studied by conducting electrophoretic mobility measurements in single and binary solution systems. It was shown that adsorption of charged species of Co(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Pb(2+), and Cd(2+) and precipitation of their hydroxides at the mineral surface are dominant processes in the charging of the surface in high alkaline suspensions. Taking Pb(2+) as an example, three different mechanisms were proposed for its effect on the surface charge: if pH<5, competitive adsorption with H(3)O(+); if 5<pH<6, adsorption and surface precipitation; and if pH>6, precipitation of heavy metal hydroxides prevails. Oxalate anion changed the associated surface charge by neutralizing surface positive charges by complexing with iron at the surface, and ultimately reversed the surface to a negative zeta potential. Therefore the adsorption ability of heavy metal ions ultimately changed in the presence of oxalate ion. The changes in the zeta potentials of the magnetite suspensions with solution pH before and after adsorption were utilized to estimate the adsorption ability of heavy metal ions. The mechanisms for heavy metals and oxalate adsorption on magnetite were discussed in the view of the experimental results and published data.

Nanostructure and irreversible colloidal behavior of Ca(OH)2: implications in cultural heritage conservation

Although Ca(OH)2 is one of the oldest art and building material used by mankind, little is known about its nanostructural and colloidal characteristics that play a crucial role in its ultimate performance as a binder in lime mortars and plasters. In particular, it is unknown why hydrated lime putty behaves as an irreversible colloid once dried. Such effect dramatically affects the reactivity and rheology of hydrated lime dispersions. Here we show that the irreversible colloidal behavior of Ca(OH)2 dispersions is the result of an oriented aggregation mechanism triggered by drying. Kinetic stability and particle size distribution analysis of oven-dried slaked lime or commercial dry hydrate dispersions exhibit a significant increase in settling speed and particle (cluster) size in comparison to slaked lime putty that has never been dried. Drying-related particle aggregation also leads to a significant reduction in surface area. Electron microscopy analyses show porous, randomly oriented, micron-sized clusters that are dominant in the dispersions both before and after drying. However, oriented aggregation of the primary Ca(OH)2 nanocrystals (approximately 60 nm in size) is also observed. Oriented aggregation occurs both before and during drying, and although limited before drying, it is extensive during drying. Nanocrystals self-assemble in a crystallographically oriented manner either along the 100 or equivalent 110 directions, or along the Ca(OH)2 basal planes, i.e., along [001]. While random aggregation appears to be reversible, oriented aggregation is not. The strong coherent bonding among oriented nanoparticles prevents disaggregation upon redispersion in water. The observed irreversible colloidal behavior associated with drying of Ca(OH)2 dispersions has important implications in heritage conservation, particularly considering that nowadays hydrated lime is often the preferred alternative to portland cement in architectural heritage conservation. Finally, our study demonstrates that, fortuitously, hydrated lime could be one of the first nanomaterials used by mankind.

Hydrothermal Growth and Optical Properties of Doughnut-Shaped ZnO Microparticles

Doughnut-shaped ZnO microparticles have been grown through a hydrothermal reaction in citrate solution at 120 degrees C. FESEM reveals that these microparticles consist of regular arranged nanoplates, and there is a concave on the surface of each microparticle. The existence of citrate is vital to the formation of the complex microparticles. Room temperature photoluminescence measurements show strong UV band emission. The yellow and green emissions related to the structure defects can be barely observed, indicating the high crystalline perfection of these microparticles.

Nickel Hydroxide “Stacks of Pancakes” Obtained by the Coupled Effect of Ammonia and Template Agent

The coupled effect of a homemade nickel di-dodecyl sulfate precursor and a complexing base leads to beta-Ni(OH)(2) "stack of pancakes" morphology. The mean diameter and thickness of the stacks are around 300 and 200 nm, respectively. Moreover, the amount of ammonia not only monitors crystalline structure but also the size and the shape of particles.