Interconnected β-Ni(OH)2 sheets and their morphology-retained transformation into mesostructured Ni

A facile route was described for the synthesis of interconnected β-Ni(OH)2 sheets, which was realized by thermal treatment of Ni(NH3)62+ solution at 95 °C. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), infrared absorption spectrum (IR) and Raman spectrum were used to characterize the product. The complexation of ammonia and temperature played important roles for the formation of the assembled structure. Thus-prepared β-Ni(OH)2 were morphology-retained transformed into mesostructured Ni by further reduction in H2 current for 1.5 h.