Isothermal and cyclic oxidation behaviors of pure and yttrium-implanted nickel were studied at 1000℃ in air. The oxide scales formed on nickel substrates were performed using SEM and TEM. It was found that Yimplantation greatly improved the anti-oxidation ability of nickel both in isothermal and cyclic oxidizing experiments. Laser Raman microscopy was also used to study the stress status of oxide scales formed on nickel with and without yttrium. The main reason for the improvement in antioxidation and adhesion of oxide scale was Y-implantation greatly reduced the grain size of NiO and lowered the compressive stress within the scale. Yttrium implantation enhanced the adhesion of protective NiO oxide scale formed on nickel substrate.