Fig. 1: Structural characterization of the Ni-BN composites.

a A schematic illustration of the synthesis procedure of Ni-BN composites. b–d electron microscopy images of h-BN, Ni/BN and Ni@BOx/BN. e, f High-resolution TEM images of a representative Ni@BOx particle and the core-shell interface of Ni@BOx/BN. g EELS element mapping of a representative Ni@BOx particle. h, i TEM images of Ni/BN-W and Ni/BN-A. j In situ XRD profiles of the Ni-BN composites under forced oxidation conditions. k In situ XPS characterization of the Ni-BN composites.