Nickel nanoparticles stabilized by luminescent labile ligands

Nickel nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized through the microwave decomposition of Ni(η⁴-C₈H₁₂)₂ in the presence of o,p-tBu-protected salicylamide ligands with one (LH1) or two arms (LH2). The nanoparticle colloidal dispersions are stable in ethanol. The presence of ligand on Ni surface is confirmed by the UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence and mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the surface ligands can easily react with metal cations to form complexes as demonstrated from the luminescence of Tb(III) complexes. Depending on the ligand, the complexes are washed away from Ni NP surface or grafted on the surface. These hybrid structures are versatile building blocks, easily dispersible in polar solvents, luminescent and magnetic.