One-dimensional nickel hydroxide nanoribbons with thickness of 15-20 nm and length up to several micrometers were synthesized through a simple template-free hydrothermal method. The nickel hydroxide nanoribbons were developed as electrocatalysts for urea electro-oxidation in alkaline media and showed more than 10 times enhancement in current density compared to bulk nickel hydroxide powders. The enhanced electrocatalytic oxidation of urea using nickel hydroxide nanoribbons reveals great potential for future applications in hydrogen production, remediation of urea-rich wastewater, and fuel cells. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.