Facile Solvothermal Synthesis Ni(OH)2 Nanostructure for Electrochemical Capacitors

Nickel hydroxide nanosheets were successfully synthesized by facile solvothermal method without any template. The structure and morphology of the as-prepared sample were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The observations revealed the formation of hexagonal phase beta-Ni(OH)(2) nanosheets with an average diameter of about 100-120 nm. Electrochemical studies were carried out using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge tests, respectively. A maximum specific capacitance of 2,342 F g(-1), which is the highest reported for a beta-Ni(OH)(2) electrode, could be achieved in 6 mol L-1 KOH electrolyte within the potential range of 0-0.50 V (vs. SCE) for the obtained beta-Ni(OH)(2) electrode at 0.4 A g(-1), suggesting its potential application in the electrode material for electrochemical capacitors.