Synthesis of nanostructured β-Ni(OH)2 by electrochemical dissolution-precipitation and its application as a water oxidation catalyst.

A straightforward electrochemical dissolution-precipitation approach has been developed to synthesize nanostructured β-Ni(OH)2 powders (particle size 10-100 nm, specific surface area ∼100 m(2) g(-1)) from Ni metal anodes. The approach differs from existing electrochemical synthesis methods in that it predominantly results in bulk precipitation of nanoparticles, without significant film growth on either of the electrodes. Heat treatment of the as-synthesized β-Ni(OH)2 afforded NiO with mostly preserved nanostructure and very high specific surface area (≤100 m(2) g(-1), depending on calcination temperature).