Nickel

Nickel (symbol Ni, atomic number 28) is a hard, silvery-white metal with a slight golden hue, belonging to the transition metals of the periodic table. It is well known for its strength, ductility, corrosion resistance, and ability to form alloys with a wide range of elements. Found naturally in the Earth’s crust and core, nickel plays a vital role in modern society, appearing in everyday products, heavy industry, and global economies. Its applications range from stainless steel and coins to batteries and high-performance alloys used in renewable energy systems, electronics, and aerospace technology.

Occurrence and Extraction

Nickel occurs naturally in more than 300 minerals, with the most important commercial ores being pentlandite ((Ni,Fe)₉S₈), laterite, and garnierite. Major nickel-producing countries include Indonesia, the Philippines, Russia, Canada, and Australia, which together dominate the global supply chain.
Nickel is extracted from sulphide ores through froth flotation, smelting, and refining, or from laterite ores through hydrometallurgical processes such as high-pressure acid leaching. Once refined, the metal is used in pure form or alloyed for specific applications.

Everyday Applications

Nickel and its compounds appear in many familiar products and technologies that shape daily life:

• Stainless steel items: The most visible use of nickel is in stainless steel, found in kitchenware, cutlery, sinks, appliances, and architectural fittings. The addition of nickel improves corrosion resistance and durability.
• Rechargeable batteries: Nickel forms part of nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) and nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, commonly used in hybrid vehicles, power tools, and household electronics. Nickel is also a key component in nickel-rich lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and portable devices.
• Coins and currency: Many countries use nickel or nickel-plated coins due to its resistance to corrosion and attractive lustre.
• Electronics: Nickel coatings on connectors and components prevent oxidation, ensuring long-lasting conductivity in mobile phones, computers, and other devices.
• Jewellery and consumer goods: Nickel adds strength and brightness to inexpensive jewellery, watchbands, and zippers, although its use is restricted in some countries due to skin allergy concerns.

Through these everyday applications, nickel contributes to the durability, performance, and reliability of household and personal products.

Industrial Applications

Nickel’s industrial importance lies in its exceptional ability to form strong, corrosion-resistant alloys that withstand extreme conditions.

1. Stainless Steel Production
   • Approximately 65–70% of global nickel output is used in stainless steel manufacturing.
   • Nickel enhances steel’s resistance to corrosion, oxidation, and scaling, while improving strength and workability.
   • Stainless steels containing nickel are used in construction, transport, food processing, and medical equipment.
2. Alloy Manufacturing
   • Nickel forms part of superalloys, which retain their strength and resist corrosion at high temperatures.
   • These alloys are vital in aerospace turbines, jet engines, nuclear reactors, and power plants.
   • Nickel-copper alloys (such as Monel) and nickel-chromium alloys (such as Inconel and Nichrome) are used for marine equipment, heating elements, and chemical processing facilities.
3. Electroplating and Surface Treatment
   • Nickel electroplating provides decorative and protective coatings for metal products, machinery parts, and electronics.
   • It prevents rusting and wear in components such as automotive parts, valves, and fasteners.
4. Catalysts and Chemical Industry
   • Finely divided nickel acts as a catalyst in hydrogenation reactions, such as converting vegetable oils into margarine.
   • Nickel compounds are used in chemical synthesis, petrochemical refining, and the manufacture of ceramics and pigments.
5. Battery and Energy Applications
   • Nickel plays a critical role in electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems.
   • Nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) and nickel-cobalt-aluminium (NCA) cathodes dominate the lithium-ion battery market due to their high energy density.
   • As clean energy technologies expand, the demand for battery-grade nickel continues to grow significantly.

Economic Importance

Nickel is one of the most economically significant industrial metals, essential for both traditional manufacturing and the emerging clean energy economy.

• Global demand: Driven by stainless steel and electric vehicle production, global nickel demand exceeds 3 million tonnes annually and continues to rise steadily.
• Major producers: Indonesia has emerged as the world’s largest producer, followed by the Philippines, Russia, and Canada. The concentration of supply raises concerns over market stability and resource security.
• Strategic importance: Nickel is listed as a critical mineral by many countries due to its indispensable role in batteries, renewable energy infrastructure, and defence applications.
• Economic contribution: The nickel industry supports mining economies, provides employment, and contributes significantly to national GDPs, especially in resource-rich countries.
• Price volatility: Nickel prices fluctuate with global industrial activity and energy transitions, influencing trade balances and industrial investment strategies.

Environmental and Health Considerations

Although nickel is vital to modern technology, its extraction and use present environmental and health challenges:

• Mining impact: Open-pit mining and ore processing generate large quantities of waste and can lead to soil and water contamination. Responsible mining practices and waste management are essential for sustainability.
• Air pollution: Smelting can release sulphur dioxide and heavy metals if not controlled.
• Occupational exposure: Prolonged contact with nickel dust or fumes may cause respiratory or skin problems, including allergic dermatitis.
• Recycling: Nickel’s high value and durability make it highly recyclable—over 60% of nickel used in stainless steel and alloys can be recovered and reused without loss of quality.

Efforts to improve environmental performance include stricter regulations, greener refining processes, and investment in nickel recycling and circular economy initiatives.