Nickel characteristics
Nickel (Nickel) is a metal element with the chemical symbol Ni, atomic number 28, and relative atomic mass of 58.69. It belongs to the VIII subgroup and the fourth period elements. Together with iron, cobalt, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, and platinum, it forms the VIII group. Among them, iron, cobalt, and nickel are called "iron elements". Nickel is a siderophile element. The core of the earth is mainly composed of iron and nickel. In the crust, ferromagnesian rocks contain more nickel than siliceous and aluminum rocks. For example, peridotite contains 1000 times more nickel than granite, and gabbro contains 80 times more nickel than granite.
Physical properties:
Nickel is a silvery-white metal with a hard texture, ferromagnetism, ductility, plasticity, and corrosion resistance. It is insoluble in water. The melting point of nickel is 1453℃, the boiling point is 2732℃, and the density is 8.902g/cm³. It is a heavy non-ferrous metal.
Chemical properties:
It is chemically active, but more stable than iron. A dense oxide film is formed on the surface in moist air at room temperature, which can prevent the main metal from further oxidation. Concentrated nitric acid can passivate the surface of nickel and make it corrosion-resistant. Like platinum and palladium, nickel can absorb a large amount of hydrogen when passivated. The smaller the particle size, the greater the absorption. It dissolves slowly in dilute acid. It is resistant to strong alkali. Nickel can burn in pure oxygen and emit dazzling white light. Similarly, nickel can also burn in chlorine and fluorine. It does not react to oxidant solutions. Nickel is a medium-strength reducing agent. Nickel hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, organic acids and alkaline solutions have very slow corrosion on nickel.
Under normal pressure, nickel can react with carbon monoxide to form highly toxic tetracarbonyl nickel (Ni(CO)4), which will decompose into metallic nickel and carbon monoxide after heating.
Storage method:
Store in a cool, ventilated warehouse. Keep away from fire and heat sources. The packaging must be sealed and cannot come into contact with air. It should be stored separately from oxidants, acids, etc., and should not be mixed. Use explosion-proof lighting and ventilation facilities.
Discovery of Nickel
Swede Kronstadt
Around 300 BC: Weapons and alloy utensils containing nickel appeared in my country. Because nickel is close to silver-white in color, nickel was called "white copper" (an alloy of nickel and copper) in ancient my country. During the Western Han Dynasty, my country had mastered the production process of white copper. For example, the white copper produced in Yunnan has a high nickel content. White copper utensils produced in China have been introduced to Europe since the 16th century and are called "Chinese silver" by Europeans. To this day, white copper is still called "Chinese stone" in Persian and Arabic.
Mid-18th century: A heavy ore with a reddish-brown surface and green spots is often used in Germany to make cyan glass. Miners called it "Kupfernickel", which means "devil's copper", because it can cause workers to have nausea and diarrhea, and in severe cases, shock or even death. Later, experiments proved that Nikel copper is an arsenide of nickel, namely red arsenic nickel ore. Nikel copper is green when dissolved in acid, which is no different from ordinary copper salt solution.
1694: Hillner published a paper that Nikel copper is a mixture of cobalt or arsenic and copper. However, Kronstadt found through multiple experiments that there is no copper component in Nikel copper.
1746: Kronstadt found a piece of green ore in the Los cobalt mine in the northern part of the Riddalhytan area of Sweden. After dissolving it with nitric acid, he put a piece of iron into the solution. According to the experimental hypothesis, iron will quickly replace the copper in the solution. Unexpectedly, the expected result did not come true. Then, he burned the green ore on charcoal and found that the ore turned into black slag. Then he added three parts of black solvent to obtain a crude metal with a light yellow surface and a silvery white cross section. It is composed of small flakes, hard and brittle, and can be slightly attracted by magnets. If it is dissolved in nitric acid, aqua regia and hydrochloric acid, a green solution can be obtained. Later, Kronstadt obtained similar results from Nickel copper. Combining these characteristics, Kronstadt believed that this substance was a new metal different from all the metals discovered at that time. He then named this metal "Nickel" and published his research results in the Journal of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in 1751.
Source of Nickel
The world's nickel resources are mainly divided into nickel sulfide ores and laterite nickel ores (nickel oxide ores). Nickel sulfide ores are mainly distributed in a few countries such as Canada, Russia, China, South Africa and Australia. Among similar deposits, the reserves of Jinchuan nickel-copper sulfide deposits are second only to Norilsk in Russia and Sudbury in Canada.
China's nickel resources are mainly nickel sulfide ores and the reserves of nickel resources are limited, mainly concentrated in Jinchuan, Gansu, Xiarihamu, Qinghai, Karatongke, Xinjiang, Panshi, Jilin, Jinping, Yunnan, Huili, Sichuan, Hualong, Qinghai, Yuanjiang, Yunnan, Jianchaling, Shaanxi, Shengligou, Sichuan, etc.
my country's dependence on foreign nickel raw materials is as high as 90%, and the total amount of imported nickel ore accounts for 92.1% of the global nickel ore import trade. China has long relied on large-scale imports of raw ore from Indonesia and the Philippines to support the huge domestic demand for primary nickel production capacity and consumption.
Application of nickel
The proportion of nickel in various applications
For a long time, people have adopted a variety of smelting methods (such as electrolysis, carbonylation, hydrogen reduction, etc.) based on the physical and chemical properties of nickel, that is, it has good plasticity, corrosion resistance and magnetic properties, etc. to achieve sufficient supply of nickel and ensure the wide application of nickel in many fields. The details are as follows:
Steel field
Because nickel has good corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance, rust resistance and other properties, it is widely used in steel fields such as stainless steel and alloy steel.
Stainless steel: The consumption of nickel is the largest in stainless steel applications, and 2/3 of the world's primary nickel ores are used in the production of stainless steel. According to the different proportions of nickel, nickel-containing stainless steel is mainly divided into: austenitic stainless steel, austenitic-ferritic duplex stainless steel, precipitation hardening stainless steel. Nickel-containing stainless steel can resist corrosion from the atmosphere, steam and water, as well as from acids, alkalis and salts. Therefore, it is widely used in chemical, metallurgical and construction industries, such as the production of containers, towers, troughs and pipelines that require welding in industries such as petrochemicals, textiles, light industry and nuclear energy.
Alloy steel: Also known as special steel, nickel-containing alloy steel is mainly used to manufacture acid-resistant towers, medical equipment and daily necessities in chemical production, as well as for mechanical manufacturing, transportation and military industries such as bridge reconstruction and warship repair.
Nickel-containing alloy tools in life
Nickel-based alloy field
Nickel-based alloy refers to a type of alloy with high strength and certain anti-oxidation and corrosion resistance at high temperatures of 650 to 1000°C. According to the main properties, it can be subdivided into nickel-based heat-resistant alloys, nickel-based corrosion-resistant alloys, nickel-based wear-resistant alloys, nickel-based precision alloys and nickel-based shape memory alloys. It is widely used in aviation, shipbuilding, chemical, electronic, medical and energy industries.
Electroplating field
Nickel plating refers to covering steel and other metal substrates with a durable, corrosion-resistant coating, which has a 20% to 25% higher corrosion resistance than zinc plating. Nickel plating is divided into electroplated nickel and chemical nickel plating.
The electroplated nickel layer has high stability in the air, extremely fine crystals, and excellent polishing properties. The relatively high hardness of the coating can improve the wear resistance of the product surface. It is widely used in optical instrument plating, protective decorative coatings, casting crystallizer electronic components, etc.
Chemical nickel plating has good thickness uniformity, will not penetrate hydrogen, has no hydrogen embrittlement, and does not require hydrogen removal after chemical nickel plating. It is particularly suitable for functional coatings of parts with complex shapes and surfaces that require wear and corrosion resistance.
Battery field
Metallic nickel plating is also used in the battery field, mainly nickel-hydrogen batteries, cadmium-nickel batteries, and nickel-manganese batteries. In recent years, the most rapidly developed is the increasingly practical MHx-Ni battery, which is mainly used in mobile communications, notebooks, video recorders and other fields, and is also used in military industry, national defense, high-tech and other fields. Cars powered by such batteries have also been put on the market.
Medical field
Nickel alloys are used to make medical devices and implants, such as artificial joints, pacemakers, etc.
Other applications
Nickel composites can be used as catalysts for hydrogenation and methane synthesis in petrochemicals. The advantage is that they are not easily poisoned by H2S and SO2.
Nickel compounds can be used to make pigments and dyes. Nickel can also be made into new ceramics such as nickel ferrite and nickel zinc ferrite, which can be used as transformer cores and radio antennas.
Very fine nickel powder is often used as a catalyst in the chemical industry.
Nickel is magnetic and can be attracted by magnets. It can be used to make electromagnetic cranes.
Nickel can also be used as a material for making coins, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Russia, New Zealand, etc.
The relationship between nickel and biology
The relationship between nickel and human health
Nickel is an essential trace element for the human body. The content in the human body is extremely small. It was not until 1974 that it was proved to be one of the essential elements of life for the human body. It affects the activity of certain enzymes, plays an important role in maintaining the redox state of cells, and is also involved in various physiological, biochemical and growth reactions. However, the demand for nickel by organisms is limited. Exceeding a certain range will produce a variety of toxic effects on organisms.
Effects of nickel on the human body
Regulation of enzyme activity: Nickel is a cofactor of many enzymes and participates in a variety of biochemical reactions. It plays an important regulatory role in the metabolism of proteins, nucleic acids and carbohydrates. Nickel is essential for maintaining normal energy metabolism and cell function.
Immune system function: Nickel plays an important supporting role in the normal function of the immune system. It can enhance the activity of immune cells, promote the production and function of white blood cells, and help improve the body's resistance to pathogens. Nickel can also promote the production of antibodies and enhance the effect of immune response.
Bone health: Nickel is essential for the formation and maintenance of bones. It can promote calcium absorption and bone calcification, helping to prevent osteoporosis. Nickel can also enhance bone stability and reduce the risk of fractures.
Cardiovascular health: Nickel is beneficial to the cardiovascular system. It can lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Nickel can also enhance the elasticity of blood vessels, improve blood circulation, and help prevent high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis.
Recommended nickel intake
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adults should consume 10-40 micrograms of nickel per day. The specific intake should also be adjusted according to individual conditions and doctor's advice. Excessive intake of nickel may have negative health effects, so care should be taken to maintain an appropriate intake.
Symptoms of nickel deficiency in the human body
Anemia: Nickel deficiency may lead to anemia, which is manifested by a decrease in the number of red blood cells and a decrease in hemoglobin levels. This is because nickel is essential for the synthesis of hemoglobin and the formation of red blood cells.
Decreased immune system function: Nickel plays an important supporting role in the normal functioning of the immune system. A lack of nickel may lead to reduced activity of immune cells and increased susceptibility to infection and disease.
Growth and development problems: Nickel deficiency may affect the growth and development of children. It is essential for the formation and calcification of bones, and a lack of nickel may lead to reduced bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis.
Cardiovascular problems: Nickel is beneficial to the health of the cardiovascular system. Nickel deficiency may lead to elevated cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. In addition, nickel can enhance the elasticity of blood vessels and improve blood circulation.
In which foods does nickel exist widely?
Seafood: Some seafood are rich in nickel, such as shrimp, crab, shellfish, etc. These foods are good sources of nickel, especially shellfish, which has a high nickel content.
Cereals and beans: Cereals and beans are also important sources of nickel. Oats, brown rice, wheat, soybeans, etc. all contain a certain amount of nickel. Whole grains usually contain more nickel than refined grains.
Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are nutritious foods that also contain a certain amount of nickel. Almonds, walnuts, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, etc. are all good sources of nickel.
Vegetables and fruits: Some vegetables and fruits also contain a small amount of nickel. Spinach, broccoli, beets, strawberries, citrus fruits, etc. are all foods containing nickel.
Negative effects caused by excessive nickel
Toxic reactions: Excessive intake of nickel may cause toxic reactions, such as gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, etc. Severe overdose may cause liver damage and kidney damage.
Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to nickel, resulting in allergic symptoms such as itching, redness, and rash. For those who are allergic to nickel, avoid contact with metal products and foods containing nickel.
Immune system suppression: Excessive intake of nickel may suppress the function of the immune system, reduce the body's resistance to pathogens, and increase the risk of infection and inflammation.
Nickel is a trace element that is essential to human health. It plays an important role in the regulation of enzyme activity, immune system function, bone health, and cardiovascular health. In order to maintain adequate nickel intake, people should choose foods rich in nickel, such as seafood, cereals, beans, nuts, and seeds, and make reasonable dietary arrangements based on personal circumstances and doctor's advice. At the same time, care should be taken to avoid excessive intake of nickel to protect physical health.
Relationship between nickel and plants
Nickel is widely distributed in the plant kingdom and is a trace nutrient element necessary for plant growth. The nickel content of plants growing in weathered soils of ultrabasic rocks and serpentinites is significantly higher than normal. Plants are very sensitive to nickel, and nickel salts can be used as fungicides. When people first used nickel salts as fungicides on plants, they found that they promoted plant growth, especially a small amount of nickel stimulated the growth of pine seedlings, wheat, cotton, peas, and sunflowers. In addition, it was found that nickel can promote the germination of soybean, wheat, kidney bean, and pea seeds. When plants lack nickel, their growth and development are inhibited, and they cannot even complete their life cycle. Plants mainly absorb nickel from the soil. The nickel content and effectiveness in different soil types are different, and are affected by soil parent materials and industrial activities.
Hazards of nickel
Environmental hazards
Nickel is one of the eight heavy metals that cause soil pollution in my country. The smelting and production environment of nickel can also cause a large amount of nickel dust to be released, which is harmful to human health. Nickel smelting workers are prone to nasopharyngeal cancer and lung cancer. According to a survey by the World Health Organization, the main reason why the average life expectancy of residents in Norilsk, Russia, the world's largest nickel production base, is lower than the national average life expectancy in Russia is nickel emissions and pollution.
Currently, nickel release has become one of the key environmental issues that European and American countries pay attention to. Nickel release pathways include: mining of metal minerals, smelting of metals, burning of fossil fuels, application of pesticides and fertilizers, vehicle exhaust emissions, treatment of house demolition waste, garbage stacking and incineration, etc.
Health hazards
Metallic nickel has almost no acute toxicity, and the toxicity of general nickel salts is also low, but carbonyl nickel, colloidal nickel, nickel chloride, nickel sulfide, etc. may be highly toxic and have a strong irritating effect on human skin, mucous membranes and respiratory tract.
Toxicological data
On October 27, 2017, the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer published a preliminary list of carcinogens for reference, and nickel metal and nickel alloys are on the list of Class 2B carcinogens.
Conclusion
Nickel is an important metal element with a wide range of applications. Its applications in metallurgy, electronics, chemical industry and other fields are becoming more and more extensive, and its importance in modern society is becoming increasingly prominent. Therefore, it can be said that the discovery of nickel has not only promoted the development of science, but also made important contributions to the progress of human society. While taking advantage of the advantages of nickel, we also need to pay attention to the risks it may bring to ensure the safety of humans and the environment.
