A study on the effect of nanosized tin oxide on the electrochemical performance of nanosized nickel hydroxide in alkali solution

The nickel hydroxide nanopowders mixed with SnO 2 nanoparticles as an additive in different proportions were prepared and characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and electrochemical measurement by cyclic voltammetry. XRD examination suggests that the composite Ni(OH) 2 /SnO 2 has both the phases of α-Ni(OH) 2 and β-Ni(OH) 2 with SnO 2 nanoparticles. TEM images show the nanostructures of nickel hydroxide, SnO 2 and dispersion of SnO 2 nanoparticles on nickel hydroxide particles in the composite. The electrochemical studies revealed that the composite electrode has better redox reversibility and specific capacitance values compared to the pure Ni(OH) 2 , α-Ni(OH) 2 and usual β-Ni(OH) 2 electrodes and it can be applied as a promising positive active material for alkaline rechargeable batteries.