Synthesis and electrocatalytic performance of atomically ordered nickel carbide (Ni3C) nanoparticles

Abstract

Atomically ordered nickel carbide, Ni₃C, was synthesized by reduction of nickel cyclopentadienyl (NiCp₂) with sodium naphthalide to form Ni clusters coordinated by Cp (Ni–Cp clusters). Ni–Cp clusters were thermally decomposed to Ni₃C nanoparticles smaller than 10 nm. The Ni₃C nanoparticles showed better performance than Ni nanoparticles and Au nanoparticles in the electrooxidation of sodium borohydride.