NiO hierarchical structure: template-engaged synthesis and adsorption property

Abstract

NiO hierarchical structure was synthesized via a facile template-engaged solvothermal reaction of Mg₅(CO₃)₄(OH)₂·4H₂O and Ni(NO₃)₂·6H₂O, followed by annealing Ni-base precursor at high temperature in air. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and N₂ adsorption-desorption. It has been demonstrated that the NiO hierarchical structure retains the morphology of the template, and possesses a high surface area (over 58 m² g⁻¹). Moreover, the growth mechanism of Ni-base precursor has been proposed. The porous hierarchical NiO exhibited good adsorption for the removal of organic dye pollutants from water. Thus, the porous hierarchical NiO is expected to find promising applications in catalysis, energy storage and sensors.