Fast production of β-Ni(OH)2 nanostructures with (001) and (100) plane exposure and their electrochemical properties

Based on theoretical analysis of the crystal structure of β-Ni(OH)2, the (001) and (100) planes have the highest and the second highest Ni2+ cation concentration, respectively. Therefore, F− anions were selected to control the growth behavior of β-Ni(OH)2 through the selective adsorption of F− anions because of their small size, simple effect and ability to coordinate with Ni2+ cations. As a result, a series of β-Ni(OH)2 nanostructures with (001) and (100) planes exposed were successfully synthesized within several tens of minutes under the stimulation of microwave irradiation. The surface area ratio of (100) to (001) planes can be changed by altering the reaction time. The exposure of (100) planes was found to be favorable to the electrochemical activity rather than (001) planes.