Synthesis of Ni nanoparticles by reduction of NiCl2 ionic clusters in the confined space of AOT reversed micelles

Stable Nickel nanoparticles have been synthesized by a novel synthetic route based on the reduction of NiCl2 ionic clusters in the confined space of reversed micelles. The reaction was carried out by adding anhydrous NaBH4/ethanol solution to a solution of NiCl2 ionic clusters nanoencapsulated in bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) reversed micelles in the presence of n-dodecylmercaptane as capping agent. As highlighted by FT-IR, an extraction with water eliminates surfactant and side products leaving lipophilic Nickel nanoparticles to be dispersed in the organic solvent. UV-Vis investigation ascertained the formation of stable metal Nickel nanoparticles exhibiting novel optical properties.