Nickel Oxide

Brief Overview

Nickel oxide is a chemical compound with the chemical formula of NiO. However, its mineralogical form is very rare. It is considered to be the principal oxide of nickel. The chemical is classified as a basic metal oxide. Nickel oxide is a green to black colored, inorganic chemical. Upon heating, it turns yellow and produces toxic fumes. It is required to handle the substance with care in order to avoid any health risks.

Manufacturing Process

The most common method of nickel oxide synthesis is to heat nickel powder which reacts with oxygen. However, to make production more dynamic and effective for industrial purposes, nickel powder can be heated with water and a small amount of nickel oxide to a very high temperature which enhances the reaction and gives better results. 

Metallurgy and Ceramics

Nickel oxide is commonly used for nickel steel alloys. In the ceramic industry, it is used in the manufacturing of the ferrites, frits and porcelain glazes.

Electronics

NiO is present in the production of batteries (nickel-iron battery) because it helps make them rechargeable. It is also found in thin film solar cells. Lastly, NiO have been widely studied as counter electrodes with tungsten oxide, cathodic electrochromic material, in complementary electrochromic devices.