Facile synthesis of Ni(OH)1.4(SO4)0.3 nanoribbons and their photocatalytic properties

► Ni(OH)1.4(SO4)0.3 nanoribbons were synthesized with the presence of SCN− anions. ► A recrystallization-oxidation-split growth mechanism was proposed to explain the formation process. ► As-obtained Ni(OH)1.4(SO4)0.3 nanoribbons possess photocatalytic capability.