Hexagonal close-packed nickel or Ni3C?

I compare the lattice spacings, synthesis conditions, and magnetic properties of hexagonal close-packed (hcp) Ni with Ni3C reported recently in the literature. The reported lattice spacings and synthesis conditions of hcp Ni and Ni3C are almost indiscernible. In addition, the magnetic properties of hcp Ni and Ni3C show similar characteristics. Based on my experimental investigations on Ni3C and the reported density functional theory calculations on the magnetic properties of hcp Ni, I present an explanation for understanding the discrepancies in the experimental results regarding hcp Ni reported in the literature. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.