Hydrothermal growth and characterization of La(OH)3 nanorods and nanocables with Ni(OH)2 coating

La(OH)3/Ni(OH)2 nanocables and La(OH)3 nanorods were synthesized by the reaction of KOH with La(NO3)3 and Ni(NO3)2 at 180 °C under a hydrothermal conditions. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and thermal analyses indicated that the nanocable consists of La(OH)3 core and Ni(OH)2 outer shell. The diameters of the La(OH)3 nanorods range from 20 to 30 nm and the lengths range from 150 to 1000 nm. The thickness of the Ni(OH)2 coating ranges from 10 to 20 nm. The formation mechanism of the nanocables is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]