Nickel sulfate

Nickel sulfate is an inorganic compound with the primary formula NiSO4. It most commonly exists as a hexahydrate (NiSO4·6H2O),which forms characteristic emerald-green,water-soluble crystals.It serves as a fundamental source of nickel ions (Ni²⁺) in aqueous solutions.

Key Physical and Chemical Properties

The most common commercial form is the hexahydrate. It appears as bright emerald-green crystalline solids that are highly soluble in water. The anhydrous form is a yellow powder. When dissolved, it dissociates to provide Ni²⁺ ions, which are essential for its industrial applications.

Ni w%   ≧22.2

Co   w%   ≦0.00035

Cu   w%   ≦0.0001

Fe   w%   ≦0.0002

Zn   w%   ≦0.0002

Hg   w%   ≦0.0002

Ns   w%   ≦0.005

Cr6+  w%   ≦0.0002

Ca    w%   ≦0.0002

Mg   w%   ≦0.002

Primary Production Methods

Nickel sulfate is produced through several routes:

1.Dissolution of Nickel Metal: Nickel metal (often powder or pellets) is dissolved in sulfuric acid, typically with an oxidizing agent like nitric acid to facilitate the reaction.

2.Leaching of Nickel Ores: This is a major industrial method. It involves treating nickel-containing ores or intermediates (like nickel matte from sulfide ores or laterite ores via High-Pressure Acid Leaching) with sulfuric acid. The resulting nickel sulfate solution undergoes extensive purification steps (e.g., solvent extraction, precipitation) to remove impurities before crystallization.

3.Recycling (Growing Importance): A critical and fast-growing source is the hydrometallurgical recycling of nickel-containing waste, particularly spent lithium-ion batteries. The recycled battery material ("black mass") is processed to recover high-purity nickel sulfate, closing the loop in the battery supply chain.

Major Applications

Nickel sulfate is the key water-soluble nickel chemical for industry.

Electroplating: Its most traditional and widespread use. It is the primary source of nickel ions in electroplating baths (e.g., Watts bath) used for decorative chrome plating (where nickel is the underlying layer) and for engineering plating to provide corrosion and wear resistance.

Electroless Nickel Plating: Serves as the nickel source in autocatalytic chemical plating baths, which deposit a uniform nickel-phosphorus or nickel-boron coating on components without electricity.

Lithium-Ion Battery Cathodes (The Key Growth Driver): This application dominates modern demand. High-purity battery-grade nickel sulfate is the essential precursor for synthesizing nickel-rich cathode active materials such as NMC (Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide) and NCA (Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide). Higher nickel content in these cathodes directly increases the energy density of batteries, making it crucial for electric vehicle (EV) performance.

Other Uses: Includes acting as a catalyst precursor, a mordant in textile dyeing, and a source of trace nickel in animal feed supplements.

Market Context and Industry Driver

The explosive growth of the electric vehicle market has fundamentally transformed the nickel sulfate industry. Demand for battery-grade material has created:

A strong price premium for nickel processed into high-purity sulfate versus nickel used in stainless steel (metal).

Massive investment in new production and refining capacity specifically aimed at producing Class 1 nickel suitable for battery chemicals.

A major strategic push towards securing supply through both primary production and advanced recycling.

Health, Safety, and Environmental

Nickel sulfate requires careful handling due to its significant hazards.

Human Health: It is harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Critically, it is a potent skin sensitizer and can cause allergic contact dermatitis (nickel allergy). It is also a respiratory sensitizer. Inhalation of nickel compound dust over long periods, particularly in occupational settings like refineries, is associated with an increased risk of cancer.

Safe Handling: Mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection where dust is present. Engineering controls like local exhaust ventilation are essential to minimize airborne exposure.

Packing

Plastic woven bag,net weight 25kgs/bag,1000kgs/pallet.

Summary

In summary, nickel sulfate has evolved from a cornerstone of the surface finishing industry into a critical energy material. Its role as the preferred nickel feed for high-energy-density lithium-ion battery cathodes has placed it at the center of the global transition to electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, driving significant changes in its production, economics, and supply chain dynamics.

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