Micelles template for the synthesis of hollow nickel phosphate nanospheres

Abstract

Abstract Hollow nanospheres of amorphous nickel phosphate (NiP) was synthesized using micelles of the block copolymer, PS-PVP-PEO as template and structure directing agent. Phosphate ion is a bridge between PVP and Ni2+ ion. The removal of polymer template form the hollow spheres of NiP with the amorphous shell. The obtained hollow spheres of NiP have been successfully applied as a catalyst for the reduction of p-nitrophenol.