The characterization of nanostructured CVD Ni powders using transmission electron microscopy

Studies of Ni powders using a state-of-the-art transmission electron microscope with a field-emission electron source show that this instrument can be an invaluable tool for studying the morphology and character of nanostructured Ni powder manufactured by a commercial nickel carbonyl vapor deposition process. This study has revealed the presence of surface coatings, including NiO and turbostratic graphite on some powders, which can degrade the electrical conductivity of the powder. Due to the high curvature of hexagonal carbon (graphene) planes, and subsequent high density of defects, the turbostratic graphitic nanocarbon may exhibit new properties.