Synthesis and sintering behaviors of core–shell Ni@CrOx nanocapsules as an internal electrode of MLCC

•CrOx shells coated Ni obtained by one-step arc discharge method for the first time.•The preparation process is performed in a safe atmosphere of nitrogen, which is conducive to industrialization.•CrOx shells can optimize sintering shrinkage and oxidation resistance.•The shrinkage rate of Ni@CrOx nanocapsules with 5 wt% of Cr2O3 additive reached 6.8%, which was close to 5.3% of commercial BaTiO3.