The high capacity nickel hydroxide was prepared by direct ball milling of solid nickel chloride and sodium hydroxide for 0.5 h.The sample as prepared has a β-Ni（OH）

2

structure with particle size of less than 5 μm

and there are some nano-particle among big particle.The SEM picture shows that the particle has loose surface and porous structure.Electrochemical measurements revealed that the ball-milled β-Ni（OH）

2

has the discharge capability of 250 mAh\5g

-1

and a quite high-rate capability of 220 mAh\5g

-1

at 1 C.Since this solid-reaction method can avoid waste emission as in solution synthesis

the ball milling synthetic method may provide a simple and efficient route for preparation of β-Ni（OH）

2

for battery applications.