Anionic and Cationic Surfactants in Ammonia Gas-Mediated Synthesis of β-Ni(OH)2 and NiO Nanostructures

Abstract

Up to now, researchers have proposed several synthesis methods for the preparation of β-nickel(II) hydroxide nanostructures. Most of these approaches contain harsh synthetic conditions such as multi-step processes, high temperatures and long reaction time. In this work, a novel, facile and low cost method is introduced to produce of β-Ni(OH)2 nanostructures using the gas-solution precipitation from nickel(II) sulfate solution in the presence of anionic or cationic surfactant upon exposure to ammonia gas at room temperature. Herein, no other additive is needed and the method is suited for large-scale preparation. The structural characterizations were carefully investigated by the powder X-ray diffraction technique and Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy. Further, the scanning electron microscopy results showed the important roles of the sodium dodecylsulfate and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide on the morphology and size of the products. The calcination process of hydroxide samples was also conducted to synthesize nickel(II) oxide nanostructures.