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Basic Nickel Carbonate: An In-Depth Look
Historical Development
Basic nickel carbonate started showing up in industrial applications back in the late nineteenth century, mostly as folks searched for new ways to refine nickel ore. Nickel always had its place in alloys and coins, but it was the chemical industry that noticed this carbonate salt could help create both refined nickel and compounds for other uses. Researchers pieced together methods for producing it at scale just as the demand for nickel grew along with new technology—think electrical equipment, stainless steel, rechargeable batteries, and later, catalysts for the chemical industry. This compound has seen its preparation methods get a lot more precise over time, shifting from crude precipitation in open vats to tightly controlled manufacturing processes.
Product Overview
Basic nickel carbonate, often showing up as a green powder, finds its role as an intermediate rather than an end-use material. Industry circles recognize its importance because of the way it supports nickel refining and chemical synthesis, including its service as a precursor for nickel catalysts and nickel oxide creation. Major producers today deliver it in bulk, most commonly as a "wet cake" or dry powder, factoring in customer needs for downstream processing.
Physical & Chemical Properties
This compound usually appears as a pale green, odorless, fine powder with a density in the realm of 4.1 to 4.2 g/cm³. It won’t dissolve in water, though it can give off carbon dioxide and turn into nickel oxide when heated above 400°C. Its chemical composition typically falls around NiCO₃·2Ni(OH)₂·4H₂O, which means it's a bit more complex than simple nickel carbonate. Solubility in acids makes it useful during the extraction of nickel or in its conversion to other nickel salts. That tendency to break down under heat or acid has proven handy when turning out active nickel catalysts.
Technical Specifications & Labeling
Quality nickel carbonate starts with purity, usually above 45% as Ni, though some processes demand even cleaner material. Producers track limits for trace elements like iron, copper, cobalt, and sulfur, keeping those impurities at bay to ensure downstream chemical reactions go smoothly. Packages carry hazard warnings including GHS symbols, the proper UN number, and storage advice to keep the product dry and cool. Lot numbers get printed or stick-labeled so origin can be traced all the way back to manufacture. The standardized Safety Data Sheets now include detailed instructions for disposal, fire-fighting, and accident response.
Preparation Method
Most manufacturers opt for a precipitation reaction where a nickel salt (usually nickel sulfate) meets a carbonate source, like sodium carbonate, under controlled conditions. After the reaction, filtration removes any spent reagents. Rinsing strips away unwanted ions before drying turns the product into a manageable form. Some large-scale producers recycle mother liquors to recapture nickel, offering a more efficient and sustainable approach. Early producers relied just on open tanks and unsophisticated pH measurements; now, real-time controls and closed systems keep the process safer and more efficient.
Chemical Reactions & Modifications
People often use this greenish powder as a starting block for chemical transformations. Heating it up releases carbon dioxide, leaving behind nickel oxide that’s worth its weight in catalysts and ceramics. It reacts with acids to form soluble nickel salts like nickel chloride or sulfate, which later feed into galvanizing baths, batteries, or pigment production. If you adjust the precipitation method—timing, temperature, pH—then you can produce nickel carbonate with different surface areas and crystal structures, making it more suitable for special catalysts or sensitive electronics materials.
Synonyms & Product Names
Chemists and manufacturers don’t always use the same vocabulary. Some labels list it as nickel(II) carbonate basic, others as basic nickel carbonate or nickel carbonate hydroxide. Commercial products turn up under grades and codes: "Green salt," "basic carbonate of nickel," and CAS numbers such as 12607-70-4. Trade names sometimes reflect industry branding, but the underlying compound stays the same across suppliers.
Safety & Operational Standards
Basic nickel carbonate may not grab headlines for being dangerous, but exposure brings real risks. Inhalation and skin contact stand out because nickel compounds can irritate the lungs or cause allergic reactions. Most companies issue personal protective equipment requirements including gloves, goggles, and dust masks. Workplace safety standards draw on OSHA and EU guidelines, pushing for strict dust control and spill management. Training employees about accident procedures and safe handling comes standard in regulated industries. Spills demand prompt cleanup, since this green dust shouldn’t mix with groundwater or air.
Application Area
Today’s industries use basic nickel carbonate in the making of nickel catalysts—indispensable for hydrogenation or methanation steps in oils and specialty chemicals. Ceramic makers add it as a pigment for glazes, firing it to produce subtle green hues. Its value in battery production has grown as the world leans more into electric cars and energy storage technology. In research labs, people reach for it during synthesis of new nickel compounds or as a reference in analytical chemistry. Smaller markets pop up in decorative plating and water treatment, though these tend to move less product.
Research & Development
Researchers have spent years tweaking this compound for higher surface area, purity, and stability—all to give chemical catalysts an extra edge. Newer methods aim to lower energy consumption by finding catalysts that operate at mild temperatures and pressures. Some teams work toward producing nickel carbonate from recycled materials, closing the loop on battery or electronics recycling. Others chase after ways to make the compound safer and less environmentally aggressive, such as developing robust dust suppression agents or using green chemistry for its manufacture.
Toxicity Research
Nickel compounds, including this carbonate, don’t have a spotless safety record. Chronic inhalation exposure has a place among occupational disease risks, mostly as a trigger for dermatitis or, according to early studies, certain cancers. Toxicological reviews highlight the role of particle size and solubility in determining toxicity, since more soluble forms release nickel ions more easily inside the body. Regulatory agencies from NIOSH to ECHA continue to monitor and reassess exposure standards to limit cases of long-term harm. Companies echo these standards with strict air monitoring, medical checkups, and worker rotation schedules designed to limit cumulative exposure.
Future Prospects
Growing demand for nickel-based batteries, especially as electric vehicles grow more common, points to a rising need for precursors like basic nickel carbonate. As sustainable industry pushes recycling and waste reduction, more processes may feed on secondary nickel sources, keeping resource use tighter and greener. Catalysis research keeps looking for more active, stable, and selective nickel-based systems for fine chemistry and renewables. Regulatory change will keep shaping safety standards, encouraging more robust dust controls and exposure monitoring, possibly steering some users toward less hazardous alternatives. The story of basic nickel carbonate isn’t close to over; in fact, it looks likely to pick up steam as new technologies and markets take shape.
Basic nickel carbonate isn’t one of those flashy headline makers. It’s a green powder you’d glance past and never think about again. Yet, so much of daily life connects back to what happens in factories and research labs using this stuff. I’ve had to dig into supply chains for nickel materials in my work, and seeing all the paths one material can take is surprisingly eye-opening.
Batteries for a Changing World
No talk about nickel makes sense without batteries these days. Companies push hard to make lithium-ion batteries last longer and run safer. Basic nickel carbonate gets dissolved and converted into nickel salts, which later form the nickel oxide and nickel hydroxide in battery cathodes. Electric vehicle batteries continue to improve because the nickel in those batteries lets cars run further. Investors and politicians claim electric cars will take over the roads, but none of that happens unless battery capacity keeps growing. Processors need consistent, high-purity nickel sources, or the whole factory can shut down for days. That’s real money, and it affects the price anyone pays for a car or energy storage in a solar panel setup.
Catalysts and Chemicals
I worked with a group trying to find cheaper, cleaner ways to produce chemicals, and catalysts played a massive role. Basic nickel carbonate enters the scene here. Chemical producers heat it (calcine, if you want the chemistry lingo), turning it into nickel oxide. That oxide steps in as a catalyst or a starting point for other nickel compounds. Hydrogenation—the process that transforms vegetable oil into margarine—relies on nickel-based catalysts. Large refineries and chemical plants tweak these processes year after year, hunting for cost savings and ways to pollute less. If a shipment of raw nickel carbonate doesn’t meet strict standards, entire production lines slow down, and you hear about price jumps for basic consumer products.
Specialty Glass and Ceramics
Designers love strange colors and durability in specialty glass and ceramics. Basic nickel carbonate brings a subtle green tint when glassmakers want it, but it also helps shield against certain kinds of light or heat. The stories I’ve heard from glassworkers point to wild experimentation—tiny changes in nickel content make the difference between boring glass and something totally unique. Artisans and scientists both need reliable access to the raw materials, or creative options shrink fast. As the push for new building materials and eco-friendly ceramics grows, consistency in the supply becomes more than a minor concern. It can shape trends in interior design, tech devices, even architecture.
Electroplating and Surface Treatment
Electroplating might sound dated, but walk through any grocery store and you’ll see nickel coatings everywhere. Base metals corrode quickly. Dip them in an electroplating bath—with nickel chemicals derived from basic nickel carbonate—and their surface lasts much longer. I once toured an auto parts plant where gears flew down conveyors and took a quick swim in nickel solution. Without it, nothing would have made it to your car’s engine or steering wheel. Plants track every chemical, because one weak spot costs thousands in repairs. If that green powder stops flowing, production lines face shutdowns, layoffs, and lots of stress at every level.
Opportunities and Risks Ahead
Supply chains for all these uses face pressure right now. As countries aim for greener policies, demand for responsible nickel production grows. That means tracing where the raw materials come from and making sure factories cut down on pollution. Tech advances in recycling nickel from old batteries may ease the crunch, but refining and transporting fresh basic nickel carbonate remains a tough, expensive task. Every person who drives an electric car, uses a rechargeable tool, or cooks with margarine stands connected to a web that stretches all the way back to powdered nickel in a storage drum. Those connections mean this material matters far more than you’d think at first glance.
Beneath the Surface: What Basic Nickel Carbonate Means for Health
If you’ve ever worked in a lab or a factory focused on batteries, ceramics, or glass, then you’ve probably seen basic nickel carbonate. Its pale green color might not look menacing, but anything with nickel in its name deserves a closer look. My time in a ceramics manufacturing shop always involved caution around this very compound. We never underestimated what a little green dust could do to your lungs or your skin.
Where Does the Risk Come From?
Breathing in nickel compounds poses the biggest issue. You might not notice much at first—the particles are tiny and invisible. Over time, lining your lungs with dust filled with nickel can lead to chronic breathing trouble. Nickel sticks around in your body, and long exposure increases your risk for certain cancers, especially lung and nasal cancer. Researchers with the International Agency for Research on Cancer list this family as a confirmed carcinogen—so the danger doesn’t rely on guesswork; it’s been studied, and the science backs it up.
Skin Trouble and Beyond
Nickel carbonate is rough on your skin too. I remember co-workers sporting red, itchy rashes after a day without gloves. Nickel allergies catch some of us by surprise; the rash that follows isn’t pretty, and it takes longer to fade the more you handle without protection. Skin contact won’t always send you straight to the doctor, but long-term exposure builds up, making it risky for anyone working directly with the material on a daily basis. The American Contact Dermatitis Society considers nickel among the top triggers for occupational dermatitis worldwide.
Who Gets Exposed?
People mixing or packing nickel carbonate in factories face higher risks. The same goes for folks in battery recycling plants, chemical labs, or anyone debunking old ceramics. Proper air filters and tight seals matter just as much as personal gear. Schools and hobbyists rarely use basic nickel carbonate. Inexperienced handlers could skip safety steps without knowing, turning a minor hazard into serious health problems. At home, the risk almost disappears unless you work directly with powdered metals.
Protecting Yourself on the Job
OSHA and NIOSH share plenty of guidance for workers. Their best tip is simple: Keep dust out of the air and off your skin. Ventilation makes a real difference, but so do habits. I always washed my arms at every break, never wore jewelry underneath gloves, and tossed away disposable clothing before leaving the building. Companies with solid training programs and routine health checks spot problems before they spiral. Basic nickel carbonate, like many other metal powders, demands respect and asks everyone to stay alert.
Moving Forward with Safety
Companies can phase out nickel carbonate in favor of safer materials, especially for less critical uses. Switching to alternatives won’t happen overnight, though. Investing in airtight ventilation, mandatory glove use, and skin checks prevents most reported issues. Respect for the risks, rather than overconfidence or budget shortcuts, makes the real difference. Health and safety rules aren’t just red tape—they’re the reason employees get home without a cough or a rash at the end of the week.
Why Proper Storage Matters
Anyone handling chemicals like basic nickel carbonate knows storage isn’t only about keeping things neat. It’s a matter of keeping people safe, protecting equipment, and looking after the planet. I’ve seen more than one case where a workplace ignored proper storage rules, and even simple mistakes can bring big headaches—think spills, contaminated air, or ruined batches of product. That’s real money and real risk for everyone involved.
Keep It Dry and Out of the Sun
Basic nickel carbonate reacts if it comes into contact with moisture. Moisture can change the chemical makeup, causing clumping or even unwanted reactions. So it pays to keep this compound in a dry spot, away from leaky pipes, wet floors, or areas prone to condensation. A tight-sealing container, well-labeled and intact, goes a long way. Ordinary sacks or flimsy lids don’t cut it—I’ve seen water damage ruin an entire drum. When it comes to temperature, avoid storing it near heat sources or direct sunlight. Excessive warmth boosts the risk of decomposition or dust escaping into the air.
Ventilation Keeps Air Clear
One problem with basic nickel carbonate dust—nobody wants it in their lungs. Good ventilation matters just as much as a good container. I once worked in a warehouse where the only airflow came from an ancient wall fan, and fine dust would hang around for hours after a spill. Easy fixes like dedicated exhaust fans or local extraction systems put dust where it belongs and cut down on health complaints. Even smaller storage spots benefit from open windows or proper vents.
Separate from Incompatible Substances
Chemical storage isn’t a one-size-fits-all job. Basic nickel carbonate doesn’t play nice with acids—they break down the compound and release gases you don’t want to breathe. I’ve heard of facilities that store everything together for convenience, but that’s asking for trouble. Keeping acids, oxidizers, and even some flammable products well away is a basic rule that has saved more than one operation from nasty chemical reactions. Make sure each category gets its own spot, separated by real barriers, not just a line in the dust.
Labeling and Access Control
In a shared facility, most people aren’t experts in every chemical. Clear labels help everyone know what they’re dealing with—no guessing or confusion. Labels should highlight contents, hazards, and handling rules. Access control locks out anyone without training. I’ve worked at sites where everything looked identical on the shelf—an accident waiting to happen. Take the guesswork out by following the Global Harmonized System (GHS) labeling standards.
What To Do About Spills
Even with the best planning, mistakes happen. That’s why every storage area needs spill-control kits ready to use. Absorbent materials, dust masks, gloves, and a clear action plan cut cleanup time and exposure. From my own experience, rehearsing spill responses clears up confusion in a real emergency. People work faster and safer if they’ve practiced in advance.
Train and Check Regularly
No storage system stays safe all by itself. Regular inspection finds leaky lids, blocked vents, or broken locks before they cause trouble. Training shouldn’t stop with a new worker’s first week—it pays to revisit safe handling, new hazards, and company procedures often. I’ve seen complacency creep in at sites with low incident numbers, only to be shaken by a preventable accident. Ongoing attention and fresh reminders keep safety at the front of everyone’s mind.
The Bottom Line
Treating basic nickel carbonate storage seriously reflects both responsibility and experience. Dry, secure, well-ventilated, and clearly organized storage pays off in protection and peace of mind. Relying on proper tools, good practices, and up-to-date training helps protect everyone—from workers to the wider community. Setting up a safe system now means fewer worries and safer workplaces for years to come.
Nickel Carbonate: Everyday Chemistry in Action
As someone who learned chemistry through plenty of late-night study sessions and hands-on work in industrial labs, the interest in nickel carbonate feels practical. Surface chemistry, battery tech, ceramics—they all have a place for this mineral. When talking about basic nickel carbonate, we actually refer to a mixed compound, not just a simple salt. The chemical formula comes up as NiCO3·2Ni(OH)2·4H2O for the basic hydrated form. This differs from straightforward nickel(II) carbonate, which looks like NiCO3.
Breaking Down the Formula
The full formula shows what's inside: nickel ions, carbonate ions, extra nickel hydroxide, and water. Manufacturers don’t always produce it in lab-grade settings—most of it comes out from controlled precipitation using nickel salts and sodium carbonate. If curiosity about why all those parts matter arises, look at the ways industries use this mixture. The formula reflects the requirements for making high-quality catalysts, ceramic pigments, and battery-grade materials.
Why the Extra Hydroxide and Water in Basic Nickel Carbonate?
Textbook nickel carbonate (NiCO3) might seem enough, but in reality, commercial samples need stabilization. That comes from the nickel hydroxide and water of crystallization. Pure nickel carbonate lacks stability and can lose usefulness during storage, especially when exposed to moisture. The added Ni(OH)2 and H2O boost shelf life and keep the color consistent. Without that, users deal with inconsistent pigment results and unpredictable reactivity. Consistent chemistry supports safe production runs and clearer results for end-users.
Uses that Matter Outside of the Lab
Basic nickel carbonate finds its way into rechargeable batteries, ceramics, glass coloring, and electroplating. For someone fixing antique ceramics or manufacturing catalysts for electronics, accuracy in the chemical formula has tangible results. Mess up the hydrate or hydroxide content, and the end product falls short. Factories tracking formula shifts can prevent wasted batches and failed coatings. That’s money and resources better spent improving quality instead of solving mystery failures after the fact.
Environmental and Safety Concerns
Handling nickel compounds means paying close attention to health risks. Inhaling nickel dusts or letting them contact skin carries plenty of risk, from allergic reactions to more serious occupational illnesses. Proper storage and process control keep workers safe. Companies should provide masks, gloves, and training. Wastewater from nickel processes should head through cleanup before hitting the environment, because nickel can harm aquatic life even at low concentrations. Switching out hazardous solvents in favor of water-based processing steps can save headaches with compliance.
Building Trust with Reliable Chemistry
Learning the chemical formula is more than a quiz answer—it means you can buy, sell, or use basic nickel carbonate with confidence. Clear, transparent labeling of chemicals, including exact formula details and purity, helps everyone in the value chain avoid surprises. Customers in the battery industry rely on these details for both quality and safety. Accurate chemical information supports product performance and public trust.
Why Basic Nickel Carbonate Demands Respect
Basic Nickel Carbonate plays a major part in the production of ceramics, catalysts, batteries, and even nickel plating. Just because it sits on a shelf and looks like a greenish powder doesn’t mean it belongs anywhere near bare skin or the lungs. Many workers don’t realize just how easy it is for dust to become airborne. One quick mistake, and you’re dealing with a substance that’s known for causing skin irritation, allergic reactions, and harm to the lungs over time.
Direct Contact – Not Just a Minor Issue
My own experience with powdered chemicals goes back to time spent in a ceramics studio. Even small slips could lead to rashes or redness. Basic Nickel Carbonate isn’t mild on the skin—some people break out in hives or develop chronic dermatitis. Lab safety data highlight the risk of nickel allergies after repeated exposure, not just one or two accidents. Proper gloves are essential; disposable nitrile or heavy-duty rubber do the job well. People sometimes skip glasses because the risk isn’t “obvious,” but even minor irritation to the eyes can leave someone sidelined. Chemical safety goggles help keep those risks far from reality.
It’s Not Just the Skin—Watch the Airways
Breathing in dust from Basic Nickel Carbonate introduces a different set of problems. Nickel compounds have landed on regulatory radars due to their tendency to cause asthma-like reactions and, with long exposure, increase the risk for serious lung diseases. Facts shared by OSHA and NIOSH point out that continuous exposure over months or years may push someone toward respiratory issues and higher cancer risk. Working over open containers, pouring powders, or mixing without a mask—this is asking for trouble. A properly fitted N95 or P100 respirator blocks tiny dust particles that a paper mask just can’t catch.
Keeping the Work Area Safe
Ventilation can’t be ignored. Closed rooms without airflow let dust collect, making every surface a hazard. At one facility I visited, a fume hood sucked dust straight out of the room, turning a risky workspace into a safe one for anyone handling powders. Clean-up matters just as much—wet-wiping and vacuuming with HEPA filters keep nickel off surfaces and out of lunchboxes. Storing the powder in sealed containers limits messes during transport and helps avoid accidents in the first place.
Disposal and Spills—More Than Just a Clean-Up Job
Disposing of even a cup of contaminated paper towels or used gloves shouldn’t be brushed aside. Waste often counts as hazardous and must head to a regulated disposal site. Experienced workers I’ve known always use marked bags and document removal, because the fines and risks are steep if things go missing or end up in the wrong place. If a spill happens, dry sweeping just raises more dust—the right approach involves damp cleaning and personal protection throughout the process.
Training, Records, Respect
New hires stepping near Basic Nickel Carbonate for the first time need more than a rushed safety overview. Regular training updates, accurate risk information, and posted rules create a culture where everyone knows the risks and how to deal with them. Good record-keeping protects workers and employers alike from long-term health surprises or legal fallout.
Taking these basic steps pays off in lower health risks, fewer injuries, and a workplace that treats chemical safety as real—not just a box to check.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | dicarbonato(2−)oxido(triaqua)nickel(II) |
| Other names |
Nickel(II) carbonate
Nickel carbonate Nickelous carbonate Carbonic acid, nickel(2+) salt Nickel(2+) carbonate |
| Pronunciation | /ˈbeɪsɪk ˈnɪkəl kɑːˈbɒneɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | [12607-70-4] |
| Beilstein Reference | 3589786 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:131376 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1200879 |
| ChemSpider | 11434 |
| DrugBank | DB15768 |
| ECHA InfoCard | ECHA InfoCard: 100.028.260 |
| EC Number | 209-943-4 |
| Gmelin Reference | 36012 |
| KEGG | C18736 |
| MeSH | D014545 |
| PubChem CID | 10130205 |
| RTECS number | QR6475000 |
| UNII | QN7U441D3D |
| UN number | UN3487 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | NiCO3·2Ni(OH)2·4H2O |
| Molar mass | NiCO₃·2Ni(OH)₂ : 376.24 g/mol |
| Appearance | Light green powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 3.7 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble |
| log P | -7.1 |
| Vapor pressure | Negligible |
| Acidity (pKa) | 7.8 |
| Basicity (pKb) | ~7.4 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | 45.0×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Dipole moment | 0 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 99.0 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -666 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | V08AA04 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | May cause cancer by inhalation; causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure; harmful if swallowed or inhaled; causes skin and eye irritation; may cause an allergic skin reaction. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS09 |
| Pictograms | GHS07,GHS09 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302, H315, H317, H319, H332, H334, H335, H350i, H372, H410 |
| Precautionary statements | Precautionary statements: P261, P264, P280, P301+P312, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P312, P330, P362+P364, P405, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 (no special hazard) |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): > 5000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | > > > "LD50 (median dose): Oral, rat: >5000 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | NIOSH: QR6475000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | 1 mg/m3 |
| REL (Recommended) | Inhalable dust: 0.1 mg/m³ (as Ni) |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Nickel(II) oxide
Nickel(II) hydroxide Nickel(II) carbonate Copper(II) carbonate Cobalt(II) carbonate |
