Oriented NiO nanosheets with regular hexagonal nanopores

High yield of beta-Ni(OH)(2) was synthesized by hydrothermal reaction. After heat treatment, novel NiO nanosheets with hexagonal nanopores were obtained. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to investigate the morphology and the crystallographic structure of the products, which indicated that the nanosheets were commonly < 111 > orientated and the nanopores were bounded by {111} and {100} planes. Meanwhile, the nanosheets were oxygen sufficient based on the electron energy loss spectroscopy. The mechanism associated with formation of the hexagonal nanopores was discussed according to structural evolution. This unique morphology and the chemical characteristics were considered as the probable key factor. responsible for its excellent performance on catalysis, gas sense, and adsorption.