Synthesis of Cu- and Ag-modified flower-like Ni(OH)₂ nanocomposites

Abstract

In this report, a simple template-free hydrothermal method was used to synthesize flower-like Ni(OH)₂ structures modified with Ag and Cu. The Ni(OH)₂ microflowers were formed via the self-assembly of ultrathin nanosheets with a thickness of approximately 2–3 nm. The incorporation of Ag and Cu at appropriate concentrations preserved the three-dimensional flower-like architecture of Ni(OH)₂. For the Ag–Ni(OH)₂ composite, Ag nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed on the Ni(OH)₂ nanosheets. In contrast, no Cu(OH)₂ phase was detected in the Cu–Ni(OH)₂ composite, likely due to Cu substituting for Ni sites within the Ni(OH)₂ lattice. Owing to the unique three-dimensional (3D) flower-like structure, high specific surface area, and the enhanced physicochemical properties introduced by metal modification, these materials can be potential for applications in electrochemical sensing, catalysis, and biomedical fields.