LAUSR

Abstract Nanocrystalline nickel is an interesting material for catalysis, and also, like all nanocrystalline metals, it has potential for structural application. Our aim was to develop a method for preparation of precursor materials for powder metallurgy. Because of this, selective leaching of binary alloy was chosen as it leads to production of nanocrystalline clustered (sub)micro particles. In this work, the preparation of Ni particles by selective leaching of Al matrix from Al-50 wt.% Ni in NaOH water solution is described. It was found that structure and magnetic properties were strongly dependent on leaching temperature, which was proven by characterization of Ni particles leached at −20, 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80°C. The microstructure of as-prepared particles was observed by HRTEM and also by small angle neutron scattering. Magnetic properties were characterized by measuring of saturation magnetization. It was proven that with increased leaching temperature the grain size of prepared nanocrystalline particles increased. Also the value of saturated magnetization follows the same trend. The amount of hydrogen stored in nickel particles is independent on leaching temperature.