Synthesis of Ni nanoparticles by plasma-induced cathodic discharge electrolysis

Ni nanoparticles were synthesized by plasma-induced cathodic discharge electrolysis in LiCl–KCl–CsCl + NiCl 2 at 573 K under 1 atm of Ar atmosphere. Ni nanoparticles with diameters of around 100 nm were obtained from the melt. It was also confirmed that particles predominantly grow at the surface of the melt, especially the region just under the discharge. Taking into account the above results, a novel type plasma-induced electrolytic cell has been designed and constructed; it operated successfully, a rotating Ni metal disk anode being adopted in order for the formed particles to be quickly removed from the region just under the discharge and be continuously transferred to the inner wall of the cold container. By using this novel type plasma-induced electrolytic cell, Ni nanoparticles with diameters of around 50 nm could be obtained.