Controllable synthesis of NiC2O4•2H20 nanorods precursor and applications in the synthesis of nickel-based nanostructures

A controllable synthesis of NiC2O4 center dot 2H(2)O nanorods precursor was obtained via the microemulsion-mediated solvothermal method and a further synthesis of beta-Ni(OH)(2) nanorods, nickel oxide (NiO) sub-microtubes, Ni nanospheres and flower-like nickel complexes nanostructures by using the precursor. The morphologies and crystalline structures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and the X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The morphologies and sizes of the precursors can be readily tuned by adjusting experimental parameters of the reverse microemulsion system. The synthesized beta-Ni(OH)(2) nanorods composed of fine nanosheets shown excellent electrochemical performance as an electrode material in rechargeable battery systems. (c) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.