The source of nickel

Nickel is the 23rd most abundant element in the Earth's crust. It is somewhat abundant, but scattered, accounting for 1% of igneous rocks. Nickel metal exists in meteorites (like some other elements). It is believed that molten nickel and iron together form the central sphere that makes up the Earth's core. It can be found in most meteorites, especially in iron meteorites or siderite that have been alloyed with iron. Its average concentration in seawater is 0.56 μ g/mL. Nickel is one of the main components of the Earth's core, accounting for approximately 7%. There are various types of nickel ore, one of which is the main ore of nickel and is called bentonite (NiS? 2FeS). Another type is a mineral called Nicotine Ore (NiAs), which was discovered in 1751 and first discovered in mining areas in Sweden. So far, the largest nickel mining area is located in Ontario, Canada, where it is believed to have been recovered from giant meteorites that fell to Earth. Due to the fact that both the Earth and meteorites were formed in the early stages of the solar system, a large amount of nickel deposition is one reason for the theory that the Earth's core is composed of molten nickel and iron. Nickel mines have also been discovered in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Scandinavia. Traces of nickel exist in soil, coal, plants, and animals.

Application of Nickel

Nickel plating is used for various alloys, such as New Silver, Chinese Silver, and German Silver; Used for coins, electronic versions, and batteries; Magnet, lightning rod tip, electrical contacts and electrodes, spark plug, mechanical parts; A catalyst used for hydrogenation of oil and other organic substances. Please also refer to Ruan Nei Nickel. Manufacturing Monel metal, stainless steel, heat-resistant steel, heat-resistant and corrosion-resistant alloys, nickel chromium resistance wires; Used in alloys for electronic and space applications. Nickel is used in various alloys, such as German silver, Monel alloy, and nickel chromium alloy; Used for coins; Coins, metals, etc. In the battery; In the spark plug; And as a hydrogenation catalyst.

Preparation of Nickel

Nickel is obtained by processing sulfide and laterite ore concentrates using pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes. The nickel matte powder obtained through roasting and smelting will be further cleaned using electrical, steam, and hydrometallurgical refining methods. Bake a portion of the dough to obtain commercially available nickel oxide agglomerates. 99.9% pure nickel can be obtained through electrolytic refining process. The purest nickel (99.97%) is obtained by gas-phase metallurgy method according to Chemicalbook. During this process, also known as the Mond method, a mixture of nickel and copper sulfide is transformed into an oxide, which is then reduced by heating with water at 350-400 ° C. The obtained active form of nickel is treated with carbon monoxide to obtain volatile carbonyl nickel [Ni (CO) 4]. The latter reaction is reversible. Heating produces pure nickel and carbon monoxide.