Nanoparticles of nickel show promise for use as electrode materials in multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCC). However, their inception has been hindered by the fact that they prove difficult to synthesize. This has resulted in them being largely ignored by researchers even though commercial applications could be readily found should a viable bulk synthesis be found.
In this work by Kan-Sen Chou, Shuen-Chi Chang and Kuo-Cheng Huang from the National Tsing Hua University, the researchers look at the effect of using sodium borohydride (NaBH4) to enhance the conversion of nanosized nickel precipitates. The commercial potential of the material in capacitors also means the electrical properties were monitored.
The researchers were able to use sodium borohydride to improve the conversion rates during synthesis. Furthermore, most of the nickel nanoparticles were well dispersed. They were also found to be amorphous, requiring heat treatment to crystallize them.
The resistivity of the thick films produced using these nanosized nickel particles was found to be higher. They also found that by phosphating the surface of the nanosized nickel particles, the resistance to oxidation was improved.
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