Abstract
One-dimensional (1D) carbon fabric (CF) anchored with high-density of nickel nanoparticles (NPs) has been successfully fabricated by combining an extended Stober approach with a carbonization process. Hybrid CF@PDA-Ni2+ was first synthesized by the coating of the polydopamine-Ni2+ (PDA-Ni2+) layer on carbon fabric in a Stober condition. After carbonizing in an inert atmosphere, the CF@C-Ni hybrid in which plenty of Ni NPs embedded in PDA-derived carbon shell on carbon fabric was obtained. Thus, the prepared CF@C-Ni composites can be employed as the catalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). Additionally, the size and density of Ni NPs could be finely controlled via changing the carbonization temperature. Moreover, the CF@C-Ni composites can be easily collected and recycled with little loss because of their unique structures, which is important for practical applications.