Glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surfaces have been modified with different NiO morphologies consisting of rods NiO, flakes NiO and balls NiO prepared via the hydrothermal synthesis method for Pb(II) and Cd(II) detection by using the square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). Meanwhile, the typical cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), BET surface area and adsorption property of the modified electrode surfaces have been investigated to evaluate their electrochemical detection effect. Results show that balls NiO modified GCE can get the optimal detection ability for its highest detection sensitivity to Pb(II) (13.46 AM(-1)) and Cd(II) (5.10 AM(-1)), the lowest detection limit (DL) to Pb(II) (0.08 mu M) and Cd(II) (0.07 mu M) as well as the superior linear relativity. In addition, an enhanced current at redox peaks, lower electron transfer resistance, larger BET surface area and stronger adsorption capacity have been confirmed for the balls NiO modified GCE surface. Finally, excellent stability and reproducibility of balls NiO modified electrodes for Pb(II) and Cd(II) detection have also been proved via the SWASV responses. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.