One-step synthesis of spherical α-Ni(OH)2 nanoarchitectures

We report the synthesis of sphere-like alpha-Ni(OH)(2) nanoarchitecture by self-assembly with the aid of hexamethylenetetramine (HMT). The alpha-Ni(OH)(2) nanoarchitectures, with a diameter of several micrometres, are composed of many nanoflakelets about 10 nm in thickness. The influences of the reaction temperature, time, reagent, nickel salt and pH value on the morphology and structure of the alpha-Ni(OH)(2) were studied, the chemical and thermal stability are discussed, and the formation mechanism is proposed. The alpha-Ni(OH)(2) nanoarchitectures display a good electrochemical capacity.