Nanostructured beta-Ni(OH)(2) with different morphologies are successfully grown on nickel foam using a template-free method by adjusting the anions of nickel salt precursors. The morphology is examined by scanning electron microscopy and the phase structure is analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The surface area is calculated with the Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) model and the pore size distribution is determined with the Barett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) method. The microstructure of beta-Ni(OH)(2) remarkably depends on the nickel salt precursors including Ni(NO3)(2), NiCl2 and NiSO4. The electrochemical behaviours of beta-Ni(OH)(2) electrodes are investigated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in 6 mol dm(-3) KOH solution. Results show that the beta-Ni(OH)(2)/Ni-foam electrode prepared with NiSO4 exhibits the largest specific capacitance (1025.3 F g(-1) at a current density of 1.0 A.g(-1)), best reversibility and lowest charge transfer resistance due to its largest porosity and surface area. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.