Abstract: Nano-α-Co(OH)₂ was prepared via a facile strategy, in which the cobalt-cholate self-assembled spramolecular nanofibers as self-template were obtained by mixing sodium cholate solution with cobalt nitrate solution, and then the samples were obtained by adding depositing reagents NH₃•H₂O under ambient conditions. The composition and microstructure of the as-prepared samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscope (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results indicate that the as-prepared materials are pure phase α-Co(OH)₂ with one-dimensional nanofiber crossing loose network–like struture whose diameter is 100-200 nm. The electrochemical capacitive properties of the products were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy in 6 mol/L KOH aqueous solution. The specific capacitance is up to 1200 F/g at a constant current charge/discharge test of 1 A/g within 0-0.5 V potential region, and stably keep 75% of initial capacitance after over 800 charge-discharge cycles. Its special nanostructure, with fast electrochemical response property, allows easy penetration of electrolyte and effective utilization of electrode material. This self-templating approach is therefore believed to provide a simple and convenient route to fabricate nanomaterials for application in supercapacitors.

Key words: self-Template, α-Co(OH)₂, electrochemical capacitance