Electrosynthesis and stabilization of α-cobalt hydroxide in the presence of trivalent cations

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) of cobalt with aluminium and chromium, isostructural with α-cobalt(II) hydroxide, are electrosynthesized. This paves the way for their possible impregnation into porous metal plaques for ready use as electrodes in alkaline secondary cells. Unlike pure cobalt hydroxide, the LDHs of cobalt are not amphoteric and retain their α-like structure in strong alkali, even after prolonged ageing. In addition, they exhibit electrochemical activity as shown by cyclic voltammetric studies.