Ni nanoparticles (NPs)-graphitic carbon nanofiber (GCNF) composites were fabricated using an electrospinning method. The amounts of Ni precursor used as catalyst for the catalytic graphitization were controlled at 0, 2, 5, and 8 wt% to improve the photovoltaic performances of the nanoparticles and make them suitable for use as counter electrodes for dyesensitized solar cells (DSSCs). As a result, Ni NPs-GCNF composites that were fabricated with 8 wt% Ni precursors showed a high circuit voltage (0.73 V), high photocurrent density (14.26 mA/cm2), and superb power-conversion efficiency (6.72 %) when compared to those characteristics of other samples. These performance improvements can be attributed to the reduced charge transport resistance that results from the synergetic effect of the superior catalytic activity of Ni NPs and the efficient charge transfer due to the formation of GCNF with high electrical conductivity. Thus, Ni NPs-GCNF composites may be used as promising counter electrodes in DSSCs.

Ni nanoparticles (NPs)-graphitic carbon nanofiber (GCNF) composites were fabricated using an electrospinning method. The amounts of Ni precursor used as catalyst for the catalytic graphitization were controlled at 0, 2, 5, and 8 wt% to improve the photovoltaic performances of the nanoparticles and make them suitable for use as counter electrodes for dyesensitized solar cells (DSSCs). As a result, Ni NPs-GCNF composites that were fabricated with 8 wt% Ni precursors showed a high circuit voltage (0.73 V), high photocurrent density (14.26 mA/cm2), and superb power-conversion efficiency (6.72 %) when compared to those characteristics of other samples. These performance improvements can be attributed to the reduced charge transport resistance that results from the synergetic effect of the superior catalytic activity of Ni NPs and the efficient charge transfer due to the formation of GCNF with high electrical conductivity. Thus, Ni NPs-GCNF composites may be used as promising counter electrodes in DSSCs.

The effects of compaction pressure and sintering temperature on the densification of Fe-40wt%Ni alloy nanoparticles were analyzed. The Fe-Ni nanoparticles were fabricated by an arc-discharge method and then, compacted at three different pressures and sintered at 550 to . Densification was completed at temperature as low as and high-pressure compaction was found to enhance densification. Densification behaviors and microstructure developments have been investigated through density measurements, electron microscopies, and hardness measurements.

The effects of several experimental parameters on the formation of stable Ni nanoparticles dispersion were investigated. The suspensions of Ni nanoparticles were produced in organic solvents using Hypermer KD-2 as a dispersant. The transmission profiles, particle size distribution, zeta potential, and visual inspection results were used to discuss the stability of the dispersion. The optimal conditions for the formation of stable dispersion are evaluated.

In this study, the effects of the dispersants, i.e., Hypermer KD-2 and poly(l-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (PVP), and their concentration on the dispersion stability of Ni nanoparticles () in ethanol were investigated by using a visual inspection, a transmission profile (Turbiscan), and a zeta potential measurement. The transmission profiles measured by Turbiscan showed that the particle size increased over the entire height of the sample for suspensions with both the dispersants without showing any particle coalescence and sedimentation. The visual inspection also confirmed that the Ni suspensions with Hypermer KD-2 and PVP were very stable for more than a year. The zeta potential values varied from positive to negative with increasing the dispersant's concentration. The dispersion stability of the suspensions was not affected by both the dispersant's concentration and the zeta potential values. The observed suspension stability of Ni nanoparticles was attributed to the steric effect for the Hypermer KD-2 and to the bridging effect for the PVP.