Polymeric honeycombs decorated by nickel nanoparticles

Porous three-dimensional metal mesostructures have a wide range of applications in different fields of micro/nanotechnology. We report on the spontaneous formation of honeycomb structures from colloidal crystalsof polystyrene beads and their simultaneous decoration with magnetic Ni nanoparticles. The honeycomb forms upon simple dipping of the colloidal crystal in an organic solution of an organometallic precursor. Ni nanoparticle formation is based on the gentle thermal decomposition of the organometallic precursor Ni(η⁴-C₈H₁₂)₂ at a temperature as low as 80 °C, compatible with the polymeric matrix. Combination of different solvents and preparation parameters are used to gain an insight into the formation mechanism of Ni decorated honeycomb structure.