Simple template-free solution route for the synthesis of Ni(SO4)0.3(OH)1.4 nanobelts and their thermal degradation

Nanobelts of nickel hydroxyl sulfate have been prepared on a large scale via a simple template-free hydrothermal reaction on the basis of a complex [ Ni( NH3)(6)](2+) formed with Ni2+ and ammonia in an ethanol-water solution. The as-synthesized nanobelts were single crystals, with several tens of microns in length and 50-150 nm in width. The nanobelts were enclosed by top surfaces ( 100) and side surfaces ( 001) and their growth direction was parallel to [ 010]. The function of aqueous ammonia and ethanol was discussed. Furthermore, nanostructures of a mixture of crystralline NiO and amorphous nickel sulfate with various morphologies, such as nanobelts, porous nanobelts, and nanoparticles, were obtained by the thermal treatment of the as-synthesized Ni( SO4)(0.3)( OH)(1.4) nanobelts at different temperatures.