The higher reversible discharge capacity exhibited by beta(bc) (bc: badly crystalline)-nickel hydroxide (400 mAh g(-1) of Ni; theoretical: 456 mAh g(-1)) compared to that of beta-nickel hydroxide (180 mAh g(-1)) can be attributed to the presence of regions characterized by turbostratic disorder in the former. These regions comprise the alpha-modification of nickel hydroxide existing in an inter-stratified form within the beta(bc) sample. The a-motifs in the beta(bc) are anion-free, but hydrated, by virtue of which beta(bc)-nickel hydroxide exhibits a higher water content (11% by weight) compared to the beta-form (<1%).