Electrochemical conversion of Ni(OH)2 nanoparticle film into nickel hexacyanoferrate through a simple strategy of potential cycling

Electrochemical conversion of metal hexacyanoferrates into their oxides or hydroxides was successfully achieved and reported using nickel hexacyanoferrates (Ni-HCF). Herein, a versatile strategy for such a conversion was explored by potential cycling Ni(OH) 2 nanoparticle film modified electrodes in K 3 [Fe(CN) 6 ] or K 4 [Fe(CN) 6 ] solution. The results show that K 3 [Fe(CN) 6 ] is more prone to the conversion from Ni(OH) 2 to Ni-HCF. Their composition , morphology, and structure were characterized by the techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV–vis spectrometry . The reaction mechanism is tentatively given. This strategy is also suitable for the other metal hydroxides including rare earth hydroxides such as neodymium, samarium etc.