Nickel hydroxide material comprising particles with a microstructure including crystallites of less than 103 .ANG. as measured in the 101 direction by x-ray diffraction.A method of making positive electrode material for use in an alkaline rechargeable electrochemical cell comprising forming a metal ion solution and increasing the pH to precipitate positive electrode material with a crystallite structure of 120 .ANG. or less in the 101 direction.