Review: nickel base nanoparticles as new nanoparticulate of non-precious metal for future application

Abstract

Over the last two decades, there has been an increase in research interest in nanotechnology, particularly the development of nanostructured materials. Development in nanotechnology became rapid in order to meet size reduction demands of existing devises and reduce material consumption, in addition to improving the material performance. Nanoscale of well-known magnetic materials such as iron, cobalt, and nickel are considered to be amazing materials for catalysts, magnetic storage technology, and even in medicinal areas like imaging and drug delivery applications. Nanocrystals and nanostructured nickel with its attractive properties, like advanced magnetic and catalytic properties, have good promise as low cost materials to substitute for rare earth materials like platinum, rubidium and iridium for various applications. These rare earth materials are well known as novel materials with high catalytic activity and stable in high corrosive environments. However, they are too expensive and have a limited and finite availability. Platinum is nearly 3000 times more expensive than nickel while rubidium and iridium are around 700 times more expensive. In the aim to reduce utilization of precious metals, identifying and developing non-precious metals has become the centre of researchers’ focus. This survey paper highlights the new research directions for nickel-base nanoparticles for future application.