[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, nickel oxide ore

Nickel oxide properties

Nickel oxide (NiO) is an inorganic compound, usually in the form of green or black powder. Its chemical properties are relatively stable, not soluble in water, but soluble in acid. Nickel oxide has excellent thermal stability and oxidation resistance, with a melting point of up to 1980°C, making it stable at high temperatures. Nickel oxide has semiconductor properties with a band gap of about 3.6 eV, which makes it have certain application potential in electronic devices.

Nickel oxide uses

Nickel oxide has a wide range of applications in a number of industries. In the ceramic industry, nickel oxide is commonly used as a green or black pigment for coloring ceramics and glass. In the battery industry, especially in nickel-hydrogen batteries and lithium-ion batteries, nickel oxide, as an important component of electrode materials, has good electrochemical performance. Third, nickel oxide is also used in the field of catalysts, such as hydrogenation and oxidation reactions in organic reactions. Nickel oxide is also used in the electronics industry, mainly for the manufacture of components such as varistors and thermistors.

Nickel oxide upstream feedstock

The production of nickel oxide mainly depends on the upstream raw material nickel ore. Nickel ore is divided into two kinds of nickel sulfide ore and nickel oxide ore. Nickel sulfide ore is mainly extracted by pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy, while nickel oxide ore is usually treated by leaching and reduction roasting. In some cases, the recycling of nickel is also an important source of nickel oxide production. Nickel oxide is obtained by recycling nickel from waste nickel-based products and then oxidation treatment.

Nickel Oxide Downstream Applications

The downstream applications of nickel oxide cover a number of areas. In the battery manufacturing industry, nickel oxide is widely used as an electrode material for nickel-cadmium batteries and nickel-hydrogen batteries. These batteries are widely used in various portable electronic devices and hybrid vehicles. In the catalyst industry, nickel oxide, as an important catalyst or catalyst carrier, is used in petrochemical, environmental protection and other fields for tail gas treatment and wastewater treatment. Third, in the ceramic and glass manufacturing industry, nickel oxide is used as a pigment and additive to improve the color and performance of products. Fourth, in the electronics industry, nickel oxide is used to manufacture a variety of electronic components, such as thermistors, varistors, etc.

Nickel oxide storage method

Since nickel oxide is a chemically stable substance, its storage requirements are relatively low, but some basic storage methods still need to be paid attention. Nickel oxide should be stored in a dry, cool, well-ventilated warehouse, avoid direct sunlight and humid environment to prevent moisture absorption and agglomeration. Avoid mixing with chemicals such as acids, alkalis and reducing agents to prevent chemical reactions. Storage containers should be well sealed, usually corrosion-resistant plastic drums or metal containers, and clearly labeled for easy identification and management. During transportation, attention should be paid to moisture-proof and rain-proof to avoid package damage and leakage.

Nickel Oxide Market Status and Prospects

The market demand of nickel oxide is affected by many industries, especially the rapid development of battery manufacturing and catalyst industry, which has brought huge growth potential for the nickel oxide market. With the rapid expansion of the new energy vehicle market, the demand for nickel-metal hydride batteries and lithium-ion batteries is increasing, which has led to the growth of nickel oxide demand. With the increasingly stringent environmental regulations, the demand for the catalyst market is also gradually rising, which also provides a new growth point for the nickel oxide market. The nickel oxide market is also facing some challenges, such as raw material price fluctuations, production process complexity and environmental pressure. In the future, with the progress of technology and the expansion of the market, the application prospect of nickel oxide is still broad.

Nickel Oxide Production Process and Technology Progress

The production process of nickel oxide mainly includes two categories: pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy. Pyrometallurgy is mainly used to treat nickel sulfide ore, and nickel oxide is obtained by smelting and oxidation process at high temperature. Hydrometallurgy is mainly used to treat nickel oxide ore, and nickel oxide is prepared by leaching, precipitation and roasting. In recent years, with the continuous progress of technology, the production process of nickel oxide is also constantly improving, such as high-temperature carbothermal reduction method and plasma method and other new processes are gradually applied to industrial production, improving production efficiency and product quality. The development of environmentally friendly production processes is also an important direction to reduce the environmental impact of the production process.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY PROBLEMS

Although nickel oxide has a wide range of industrial applications, it is still necessary to pay attention to environmental protection and safety issues during its production and use. Nickel oxide powder has certain hazards to the human body. Inhalation of high-concentration nickel oxide dust may cause respiratory diseases. Therefore, protective measures should be strengthened and appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn during production and use. The waste water and waste gas generated in the production of nickel oxide may contain nickel ions and other harmful substances, and effective treatment and emission control are required to avoid environmental pollution. During the storage and transportation of nickel oxide, attention should be paid to moisture-proof and fire-proof, to avoid packaging damage and leakage, and to ensure safety management.

Summary

As an important inorganic compound, nickel oxide has unique chemical properties and a wide range of applications. From upstream nickel mining and smelting to downstream battery manufacturing, catalysts, ceramics and electronic components production, nickel oxide plays an important role in all aspects. With the changing market demand and the improvement of environmental protection requirements, the nickel oxide industry is also facing new challenges and opportunities. Through continuous technological innovation and improvement of environmental protection measures, the production and application of nickel oxide will usher in a broader development prospects.