What Is Nickel Oxide?
Nickel oxide is a dark green powdered inorganic compound, soluble in hydrochloric acid but insoluble in water. It holds the CAS No. 1313-99-1 and is subject to various safety and environmental regulations, including being listed under the Safety and Health Law and the PRTR Law, among others.
Uses of Nickel Oxide
Utilized for its catalytic properties, nickel oxide is a key catalyst in hydrogenating fats, oils, and other organic compounds. It is also essential in the production of electron tubes, special steels, electronic materials, and as a coloring agent in ceramics. Additionally, it serves as a precursor for nickel salts in nickel plating processes.
Properties of Nickel Oxide
With a molecular weight of 74.69 and a melting point of 1,960°C, nickel oxide is antiferromagnetic at room temperature and exhibits basic oxide characteristics. It reacts with acids to form green hydrated nickel ions and reduces to metallic nickel when heated in hydrogen gas.
Structure of Nickel Oxide
Nickel oxide primarily exists as nickel (II) oxide (NiO), known for its sodium chloride-type structure and non-stoichiometric composition. Other forms, nickel oxide (III) and (IV), are also noted but less well-defined in structure and application.
Other Information on Nickel Oxide
1. Synthesis of Nickel (II) Oxide
Nickel (II) oxide is produced by pyrolyzing nickel (II) compounds, resulting in a pure green powder.
2. About Nickel (III) Oxide
Nickel (III) oxide, a grayish-black powder used in alkaline storage batteries, is produced by heating nickel (II) nitrate. Its exact composition and structure remain uncertain, with some literature suggesting it might be a form of nickel (II) oxide with an indeterminate ratio.
3. About Nickel (IV) Oxide
Nickel (IV) oxide, or nickel dioxide, is an oxidizing agent obtained by oxidizing nickel hydroxide. It is theorized to form through the adsorption of oxygen on nickel (II) oxide.