For the first time, rod-like beta-Ni(OH)(2) was synthesized through the composite-hydroxide-mediated (CHM) method with NiCl2 center dot 6H(2)O as raw material and PEG20000 as modifier. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra revealed the presence of new functional groups on the surface of the beta-Ni(OH)(2) after modified, which means better adsorption efficiency. In adsorption experiments with Congo Red (CR), the adsorption capacity for modified beta-Ni(OH)(2) was 149.25mg g(-1), which was a better adsorption capacity compared with some previously reported Ni(OH)(2).