Provided are a method for preparing metallic nickel powders capable of
decreasing the content of an alkaline metal in the metallic nickel
powders, metallic nickel powders with the low content of an alkaline
metal, a conductive paste including metallic nickel powders with the low
content of an alkaline metal, and a multi-layer ceramic capacitor (MLCC)
including a nickel inner electrode with the low content of an alkaline
metal. The method for preparing the metallic nickel powders includes
heating a mixture including an organic base, a nickel precursor compound,
and a polyol. Wherein, the nickel precursor compound is converted to the
metallic nickel powders through reduction by the organic base and the
polyol. In the method, the organic base is used instead of the hydroxide
of an alkaline metal such as NaOH and KOH. Therefore, the content of an
alkaline metal such as sodium and potassium that can be incorporated as
an impurity into the metallic nickel powders can be significantly
reduced.