Effect of carbon nanofiber-induced microstrain on the catalytic activity of Ni crystals

The surface curvature of the carbon nanofibers (CNF) and the strong interaction between the metal and the graphene edges cause local deformation of metal nanoparticles, and thereby inducing a high degree of microstrain. Such lattice expansion has been shown to increase the activity of Ni crystals. This provides new opportunities to manipulate the catalytic activity of the metal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]