The nickel-based nanoparticles such as nickel oxide, carbon coated nickel, carbon coated nickel carbide and their mixtures were synthesized by systematically varying the component of explosive precursors and technological parameters. The features of the as-obtained nanoparticles were characterized with TEM, HRTEM, EDX, XRD and XRF. The data from these optimally designed experimental can govern the different types of nickel-based nanoparticles. The formation mechanism during the detonation process were also discussed and analyzed. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.