Production of Smooth and Pure Nickel Metal Nanofibers by the Electrospinning Technique: Nanofibers Possess Splendid Magnetic Properties

Abstract

In the present study, smooth, unceasing, hydrogen-free, and pure nickel metal nanofibers have been synthesized using the electrospinning technique. A sol−gel consisting of nickel acetate tetrahydrate and poly(vinyl alcohol) has been electrospun, and the obtained nanofiber mats were vacuously dried and then calcined in argon atmosphere at 700 °C. The invoked physiochemical characterization instruments assured formation of pure nickel nanofibers with an average diameter of 120 nm after the calcination process. The electrospun nickel nanofibers have revealed unique magnetic properties, with much enhanced coercivities relative to bulk materials. The outstanding features of this approach to get one-dimensional magnetic nanostructure are its simplicity, effectiveness, safety, and ease of assembly.