Controlled Growth of a Hierarchical Nickel Carbide "Dandelion" Nanostructure.

We present a new type of highly hierarchical but nonporous nanostructure with a unique "dandelion" morphology. Based on the time evolution of these Ni3 C nanostructures, we suggest a mechanism for their formation. This type of hierarchical nanocrystal, with high accessible specific surface area in a relatively large (ca. 750 nm overall diameter) stable structure, can be valuable in catalysis and related applications.