The influence of anionic surfactant (SDS) on the optical, magnetic and capacitive properties of NiO nanocrystals via gas-liquid diffusion synthesis

A facile gas-liquid diffusion route with magnetic stirring was used for the preparation of black fungus-like NiO nanostructure with the assistance of SDS surfactant. The NiO obtained without addition of surfactant was used in the control test. The structure, composition and morphology of NiO nanocrystals were characterized by various methods including XRD, Raman, SEM, HRTEM, BET and XPS techniques. The optical properties were analyzed with UV-Vis DRS. The contact angle measurement and vibrating sample magnetometer were used to investigate surface wettability and magnetic properties respectively. The electrochemical behavior of two NiO samples was studied by CV and GCD tests. The characterization and test results showed that compared with surfactant-free NiO sample, the prepared NiO sample using SDS surfactant as template agent exhibited specific morphology and higher surface area, better optical properties, magnetic susceptibility and electrochemical properties.