Large scale synthesis and electrochemical characterization of hierarchical β-Ni(OH)2 flowers

Hierarchical β-Ni(OH)2 flowers with fanlike or quasi-hexagonal single crystalline nanoflakes as building blocks were prepared on a large scale through a one-step reaction between Ni(dmg)2 (nickel dimethylglyoximate) and NaOH in solution. A series of techniques, including XRD, TEM, FE-SEM, HRTEM, IR and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize the product. Investigations on the formation process of the flowers indicated that the complexing agent of dmgH (dimethylglyoxime), together with the concentration of alkaline and temperature played important roles for the formation of the special flowery structure. Electrochemical properties of the β-Ni(OH)2 flowers in alkali battery were tested, revealing their prospective application as electrode materials.