We report the synthesis, characterization, and electrochemistry properties of ribbon- and boardlike nanostructures of nickel hydroxide, which crystallize in different phases. The ribbonlike nanostructures (nanoribbons) of nickel hydroxide were synthesized by treating amorphous alpha-Ni(OH)2 with high concentrations of nickel sulfate. These nanoribbons crystallized in a new phase had typical widths of 5-25 nm, thicknesses of 3-9 nm, and lengths of up to a few micrometers. After further treatment in alkali at 60 degrees C, the nanoribbons converted to boardlike nanostructures (nanoboards), which crystallized in the beta-phase with the average length-width-thickness ratio of 20:6:1. The crystal structures, Raman spectra, and electrochemical properties of these nanostructures of nickel hydroxide are described in this paper. For comparison, the amorphous alpha-Ni(OH)2 has also been investigated. Moreover, the intermediate product between the nanoribbons and the nanoboards displays a unique structure, which implied an interesting transformation process. The nanoribbons with the new phase show some unique features in Raman spectra, two new peaks located at 3534 and 3592 cm(-1) in the OH stretching region, indicating the new chemical environment of the hydroxyl groups. The nanoboards exhibit the highest specific capacity, which is close to the theoretical capacity of beta-Ni(OH)2. It suggests that the boardlike nanostructure is helpful in improving the electrochemical performance of nickel hydroxide. Because of their unique structures and properties, the nanoribbons and nanoboards of nickel hydroxide may give a new perspective for applications in the areas of catalysts and rechargeable batteries.

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We report here the successful synthesis of one-dimensional (1D) nanoribbons of nickel hydroxide crystallized in a new phase. This attempt is based on the treatment of freshly precipitated nickel hydroxide with high concentrations of nickel sulfate. The nanoribbons with monoclinic structure had a chemical composition of Ni(OH)1.66(SO4)0.17(H2O)0.29, which was close to that of α-Ni(OH)2. These nanoribbons were very pure single crystals, structurally uniform with typical widths of 5−25 nm, thicknesses of 1−5 nm, and lengths of up to a few micrometers, and could be an ideal system for studying the physical and chemical properties of 1D nanostructured electrode materials.

Despite the prevalence of global diffusion, little is known about the processes by which international practices are adopted and adapted within organizations around the world. Through our qualitative research on the introduction of corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting at two leading Chinese companies, we identify a unique set of political mechanisms that we label state-mediated globalization, whereby powerful nation-state actors influence the ways in which corporations adopt and adapt global norms and practices. We find that businesses' needs for political legitimacy from a key stakeholder, in this case the government, leads them to deviate systematically from the global practice in both form and content. These intentional practice adaptations are then legitimized by the government to create internationalization tools and localized standards to aid adoption by other organizations. Our findings illustrate previously unidentified mechanisms by which powerful stakeholders such as the Chinese government may mediate, and thereby direct, the ways in which corporations adopt and adapt global CSR practices. Contributions to understanding the political processes of institutional translation in the context of globalization are discussed.

In recent years scholars have grown increasingly interested in the potential for a contentious environmental movement in China. This article explores the beliefs of university students in Beijing and finds that there is little likelihood of environmentalism among students transforming into an independent grassroots movement or becoming a source of pressure for political change.