Synthesis and electrocatalytic performance of atomically ordered nickel carbide (Ni_3C) nanoparticles

摘要

Atomically ordered nickel carbide, Ni_3C, was synthesized by reduction of nickel cyclopentadienyl (NiCp_2) with sodium naphtha-lide to form Ni clusters coordinated by Cp (Ni-Cp clusters). Ni-Cp clusters were thermally decomposed to Ni_3C nanoparticles smaller than 10 nm. The Ni_3C nanoparticles showed better performance than Ni nanoparticles and Au nanoparticles in the electrooxidation of sodium borohydride.