Synthesis of carbon-encapsulated nickel nanocrystals by arc-discharge of coal-based carbons in water

The synthesis of nano-sized carbon-coated nickel particles was reported. Carbon rods made from coal and nickel powders were vaporized by arc plasma in deionized water to prepare the carbon-encapsulated nickel nanoparticles. Studies showed that the magnetic properties of the nanoparticles made them suitable for catalyst supports that would allow the easy recovery of precious catalysts after the reactions.