Preparation and electrochemical performance of alpha-nickel hydroxide nanowire

Alpha-nickel hydroxide nanowire with diameter of 60 nm was successfully synthesized by conversely migrates technique. Structural and morphological characterizations were performed using power X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The capacitive properties were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge–discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique in 6 M KOH aqueous electrolyte. A maximum specific capacitance of 833 F g−1 was obtained at constant current of 5 mA, indicating that the α-nickel hydroxide nanowire is a promising electrode material for electrochemical capacitors.

Research highlights
► We first synthesized α-Ni(OH)2 nanowires without substitution.
► Adopted the conversely migrate technique.
► Ni(OH)2 nanowires exhibited an excellent electrochemical capacitive behavior.
► α-Ni(OH)2 nanowire is promising for electrochemical capacitor applications.