Nickel oxide

Description

Nickel oxide (Ni2O3) is an important metal oxide used as a plating agent, surface treatment agent, and photocatalyst. Ni2O3 is also used as an electrode material in the manufacture of fuel cells and as a catalytic material in the production of electrolytic cells.

Chemical properties

solid

The Uses of Nickel oxide

Nickel oxide (NiO) is produced from nickel minerals to form nickel oxide when heated to 400°C, which is then reduced at a temperature of 600°C, resulting in the formation of nickel oxide. It is used as electrodes in fuel cells.

The Uses of Nickel oxide

Storage batteries.

The Uses of Nickel oxide

Nickel oxide is used in the ceramic industry for making frit, ferrites, and coloring porcelain. The oxide in sinter form is used in the production of nickel-steel alloys. It supplies oxygen to the melt for removal of carbon as carbon dioxide. Some other important uses of nickel oxide include preparation of many nickel salts, specialty chemicals, and nickel catalysts. It also is used as an electrode in fuel cells.

The Uses of Nickel oxide

Hazard

Confirmed carcinogen.

Industrial uses

Nickel produces a bluish-violet in potash glasses and a violet tending toward brown in soda glasses. Nickel rates as one of the more powerful colorants, since 1 part in 50,000 produces a recognizable tint. Nickel oxide is sometimes used to decolorize potash glass. Nickel oxide and nickel silicate have an advantage over manganese dioxide for decolorizing purposes in that they are not as sensitive in changing oxidizing and reducing environments.

Safety Profile

Confirmed human carcinogen. Poison by subcutaneous route. Mutation data reported. Hazardous reaction with hydrogen peroxide. Presence of the oxide increases the sensitivity of nitroalkanes (e.g., nitromethane, nitroethane, 1 -nitropropane) to heat. See also NICKEL COMPOUNDS and PEROXIDES.