Polymorphism in nickel hydroxide: role of interstratification

In addition to the well-known α and β modifications, nickel hydroxide is shown to exist in a number of poorly crystalline forms—clearly distinguishable by their signature X-ray powder diffraction patterns. DIFFaX simulations combined with compositional analysis and IR spectral data indicate that these are interstratified phases consisting of α- and β-type structural motifs intermixed in varying proportions.