Biomass template method for preparing macroporous nickel foam with tunable pore size and porosity

Abstract

• A simple one-step strategy to prepare Ni foams. • Ni foam characterized by macropores in the range of 1–10 μm. • Versatile controllability of pore size and porosity. • Cotton fibers play roles of both template and reductant. A simple one-step biomass template method was reported to prepare macroporous Ni foams with tunable pore size and porosity by using basic nickel carbonate and cotton as Ni source and biomass template respectively. The cotton fibers also played a key role of reducing agent which enabled the simple one-step strategy without further treatment. The pore size and porosity of the products can be versatilely controlled by reactant concentrations.