Mechanochemical preparation of NiCuSn nanoparticles and composites in presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and the catalytic application of the products in homocoupling and hydration of terminal alkynes

•Mechanochemical synthesis of NiCuSn nanoparticles and composites was carried out.•The effect of milling parameters (intensity, duration) was elucidated.•Formation of NiSn and CuSn intermetallics, and Cu/Sn-oxide species was observed.•Cu, Cu2O or bronze facilitated 1,3-diyne formation by terminal alkyne homocoupling.•Sn and SnO2 containing catalysts were efficient in ketone and α-diketone synthesis.