Synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical application of Ca(OH)2-, Co(OH)2-, and Y(OH)3-Coated Ni(OH)2 tubes

We report on the synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical application of Ca(OH)2-, Co(OH)2-, and Y(OH)3-coated Ni(OH)2 tubes with mesoscale dimensions. These composite tubes were prepared via a two-step chemical precipitation within an anodic alumina membrane under ambient conditions. The morphology and structure of the as-synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results showed that the size of the tubes was of mesoscale dimension and the proportion of the tube morphology was about 95%. The as-prepared composite tubes were further investigated as the positive-electrode materials of rechargeable alkaline batteries. Electrochemical measurements revealed that the Ni(OH)2 tubes coated with Ca(OH)2, Co(OH)2, and Y(OH)3 exhibited superior electrode properties including high discharge capacity, excellent high-temperature and high-rate discharge ability, and good cycling reversibility. The mechanism analysis suggests that both the coated layers and the unique hollow-tube structures play an indispensable role in optimizing the electrochemical performance of nickel hydroxide electrodes.