Facile fabrication of nickel nanostructures on a copper-based template via a galvanic replacement reaction in a deep eutectic solvent

We describe an unusual galvanic replacement process for facile synthesis of nickel nanostructures by using Cu as a sacrificial template in a deep eutectic solvent (DES), ethaline. This replacement process occurred through a galvanic exchange of [NiCl4]2 − ions in ethaline at 353 K with an immersed Cu substrate, which acted as both reactive template and reductant. The mechanism for this replacement reaction and the morphology and topography evolution process of the nickel nanostructures were investigated. This facile preparation method performed in ethaline provides a novel way to fabricate nickel nanostructures with particulate or porous architecture on a copper-based template.