alpha Phase nickel hydroxide (alpha-Ni(OH)(2)) has higher theoretical capacity than that of commercial beta phase Ni(OH)(2). But the low stability inhibits its wide application in alkaline rechargeable batteries. Here, we propose a totally new idea to stabilize alpha phase Ni(OH)(2) by introducing large organic molecule into the interlayer spacing together with doping multivalent cobalt into the layered Ni(OH)(2) host. Ethylene glycol is served as neutral stabilizer in the interlayer spacing. Nickel is substituted by cobalt to increase the electrostatic attraction between layered Ni(OH)(2) host and anion ions in the interlayer spacing. Polyethylene glycol (PEG-200) is utilized to design a three-dimensional network structure. This prepared alpha-Ni(OH)(2)-20 exhibits specific capacity as high as 334 mAh g(-1) and good structural stability even after immersing into strong alkaline zincate solution for 20 days. Ni(OH)(2) electrode with a specific capacity of 35 mAh cm(-2) is fabricated and used as positive electrode in zinc-nickel single flow batteries, which also shows good cycling stability. This result can provide an important guideline for the rational design and preparation of highly active and stable alpha phase Ni(OH)(2) for alkaline secondary battery. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.