Controllable synthesis of NiC2O4·2H2O nanorods precursor and applications in the synthesis of nickel-based nanostructures

A controllable synthesis of NiC2O4·2H2O nanorods precursor was obtained via the microemulsion-mediated solvothermal method and a further synthesis of β-Ni(OH)2 nanorods, nickel oxide (NiO) sub-microtubes, Ni nanospheres and flower-like nickel complexes nanostructures by using the precursor. The morphologies and crystalline structures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and the X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The morphologies and sizes of the precursors can be readily tuned by adjusting experimental parameters of the reverse microemulsion system. The synthesized β-Ni(OH)2 nanorods composed of fine nanosheets shown excellent electrochemical performance as an electrode material in rechargeable battery systems.