First report of Schiff-base nickel nanoparticle-catalyzed oligomerization and polymerization of norbornene

•First account of nanoparticle-facilitated oligomerization and polymerization.•Selectivity depends on the type of co-catalyst employed.•NPs leads to several catalytic sites being activated.•Resulted in hydrophilic Ni-laced polymer nanocomposite.•NP systems superior in comparison to its discrete complex analogues.