Influence of zinc additive and pH on the electrochemical activities of β-nickel hydroxide materials and its applications in secondary batteries

Abstract The importance of Ni-based batteries in the present context is extremely valuable, as their electrochemical properties are expected to offer significant insights into their application as battery materials. In this direction, Ni(OH) 2 has been prepared using the co-precipitation method by varying the concentrations of zinc additive (2, 4, 6 & 8 wt%) and pH (8, 9, 10 & 11). The results show that the prepared samples exist in β-phase with flake like structure. The electrochemical properties of b-Ni(OH) 2 have been investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements using a paste-type electrode on a nickel mesh as a current collector. The cyclic voltammetry measurements indicate that the reversibility of the electrode reaction increases at pH 10 and 6% Zn additive. Whereas, the EIS measurements reveal that a reduction in the charge transfer resistance increases the double layer capacitance of the nickel electrode.