US Patent 7819939 Synthesis of nickel nanopowders

The invention relates to a method of making a nickel powder having an average particle size of less than about 100 nanometers, comprising contacting, at a temperature of about 50° C. to about 95° C., a reduction solution with a nickel solution to form a reaction mixture. The reduction solution comprises a base and a reducing agent. The nickel solution comprises a nickel compound water, a nucleation agent, a surfactant or dispersant, and combinations thereof. The yield of nickel nanoparticles is greater than about 90% relative to starting moles of nickel compound. The nickel powder is suitable for use in electronics applications and sintered metal applications.