Nickel Production Research Articles

Recovery of Magnetic Ni Particles from Spent Catalyst Leachate by Direct Cementation

An alternative method based on cementation for the recovery of nickel from spent Ni/Al2O3 reforming catalyst pregnant leach solution (PLS) was proposed to overcome the limitations of traditional two-step extraction and precipitation processes. Thermodynamic analysis was used to evaluate the potential interference of key reactions, such as nickel and sacrificial metal leaching, with the selective cementation of nickel from the PLS. Key variables in the cementation process were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) combined with Box–Behnken design (BBD). Under optimal conditions—pH 2.2 ± 0.1, processing time of 15 min, and Al/Ni molar ratio of 2.65—a maximum nickel recovery of 73.2% was achieved. Extensive characterization confirmed the high quality of the cemented nickel product: (i) ICP-OES indicated nickel purity of 99.47%, (ii) XRD patterns verified the presence of pure face-centered cubic nickel, (iii) SEM-EDS and vibrating sample magnetometry confirmed the high purity of the metallic nickel particles.

Direct synthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles from pregnant leach solution by using electrodeionization and Fenton processes in the presence of EDTA

This paper presents the results of a novel study on the direct synthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles from a synthetic pregnant leach solution (PLS) as a middle stage product of hydrometallurgy process of nickel production. To increase the nickel proportion in the initial PLS, electrodeionization was utilized in the presence of EDTA to form an anionic complex ([Ni-EDTA]2−) with Ni2+ cations, allowing their separation from cobalt cations through the EDI process. Subsequently, the Fenton process was applied to synthesize nickel oxide nanoparticles from the complex containing solution. The proposed hybrid process was conducted in two different modes of one-stage and two-stage EDI process followed by the Fenton process. Different analysis methods including AAS, XRD, FE-SEM, and ICP were used for qualitative and quantitative evaluations. The analyses’ results revealed that by implementing one-stage EDI process followed by Fenton process resulted in producing nickel oxide nanoparticles with an average particle size of 45 nm and purity of about 98 %. Also, it was seen that about 81 % of initial nickel content of the initial PLS was recovered as nickel oxide nanoparticles. In the case of two-stage EDI process, 100 % pure nickel oxide nanoparticles with average size of 55 nm and recovery of 65 % was produced. The results showed that the innovative hybrid EDI/Fenton process can be considered as a promising approach for direct synthesis of high purity nickel oxide nanoparticles from PLS. However, it should be noted that there was a trade-off between purity of nickel oxide and nickel recovery from PLS.

Comparison of corrosion behavior of primary/modified nickel slag with semi‐rebonded periclase‐chromite refractory

AbstractSemi‐rebonded periclase‐chromite refractories are commonly utilized in the working lining section of the molten pool in oxygen‐enriched top‐blowing furnaces for nickel production. Its resistance to nickel slag corrosion determines the safety and service life of the melting furnace. The composition of nickel slag influences the corrosion resistance of semi‐rebonded periclase‐chromite refractories. By comparing and analyzing specimens corroded by primary and modified nickel slag, the influence mechanism of w(CaO)/w(SiO2) variations on corrosion resistance of semi‐rebonded periclase‐chromite refractories was clarified. The results show that a spinel isolation layer is preferred to form at a lower w(CaO)/w(SiO2) ratio (< 0.576) and enhance the corrosion resistance of semi‐rebonded periclase‐chromite refractories. As the ratio increases, the slag viscosity falls and the corrosion products contain larger levels of Ca3Cr2Si3O12 and Ca3MgSi2O8, which prevent the creation of the isolation layer and establish a conduit for Ca2+ and Si4+ transport and reaction into the interior of the refractory.

Health risks from exposure to industrial aerosols of soluble and insoluble nickel compounds

Introduction. Despite the implementation of active preventive measures, employees of nickel enterprises, remain to belong to a group of increased risk of occupational pathology. Aim. comparative analysis of the risks to occupational health in workers exposed to soluble and insoluble nickel compounds in various specialties of the nickel industry. Materials and methods. A retrospective observational study of the health status and development of occupational pathology was carried out among seven hundred sixty three workers of pyrometallurgical and 1395 workers of electrolysis nickel processing plants during 2008–2023. Results. Over the course of 15 years, 112 and 221 occupational diseases were first identified in 57 (7.5%) of 763 pyrometallurgical workers and 100 (7.2%) of 1,395 nickel electrolysis workers. The risk of developing occupational pathology among workers of the two industries did not differ: RR 1.04; CI 0.76-1.43; p=0.797. In 2009–2023 There were no significant trend in the number of workers with primary occupational diseases and their number. Of all the specialists, the greatest risk of occupational pathology was found among finished product cleaners and smelters. The maximum level of occupational morbidity was found among cleaners and smelters (323.62 and 229.69 cases / 10,000 workers), and the minimum – among repairmen, crane operators, roasters (pyrometallurgical production) and electricians of electrolysis production (35–45 cases / 10,000 workers). Limitations. The number of observations in some groups of specialists is insufficient for statistical processing. Conclusion. The risk of developing occupational pathology does not depend on the solubility or insolubility of nickel compounds in industrial aerosols, but is largely determined by the final class of working conditions and the specialty of the worker. When carrying out measures to reduce health risks, it is necessary to take into account not only the class of working conditions, but also their characteristics for specialists at various technological stages of nickel production.

Development of a Hydrometallurgical Process for the Extraction of Cobalt, Manganese, and Nickel from Acid Mine Drainage Treatment By-Product

Critical minerals (CMs) are pivotal in modern industries, such as telecommunications, defense, medicine, and aerospace, contributing significantly to regional and global economic growth. However, the reliance on external sources for 26 out of 50 identified CMs raises concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities. To address this, the research focused on developing a hydrometallurgical process for extracting cobalt, manganese, and nickel from acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment by-products, emphasizing the need to diversify CM supply chains within the United States (US). A solution composed of an REE solvent extraction raffinate loaded with cobalt, manganese, nickel, and various impurity metals was utilized as a feedstock in this study. The developed hydrometallurgical process involved initial sodium hydroxide precipitation to remove impurities like aluminum and iron from an SX raffinate solution generated during the extraction of rare earth elements (REEs). Precipitation stages were performed in a pH region ranging from 2 to 12 to identify the optimum pH values, achieving a tradeoff between recovery and impurity removal. A subsequent precipitation process at pH 5–10 yielded a product rich in CMs, such as manganese, cobalt, and nickel. Further separation steps involved nitric acid washing, resulting in a Mn product with a purity of 47.9% by weight and a solution with extractable concentrations of cobalt and nickel. Stagewise precipitation with sodium sulfide subsequently produced three solid products: cobalt and nickel product at pH 1–5, manganese product at pH 5–10, and magnesium at pH 10–12. The study also explored other separation approaches, including solvent extraction, to enhance the separation of nickel from cobalt. Overall, the developed hydrometallurgical process generated the following products with varying degrees of purities: cobalt (9.92 wt.%), nickel (14 wt.%), manganese (47.9 wt.%), and magnesium (27.49 wt.%). This research aimed to contribute to the sustainable extraction of CMs from secondary sources, reducing the US’ reliance on imports and promoting a more resilient supply chain for these crucial elements.

Cradle to gate life-cycle assessment of battery grade nickel sulphate production through high-pressure acid leaching

The rising global demand for high-purity nickel (Ni) sulphate, primarily used in lithium-ion batteries, is largely met by processing Indonesian laterite ores via hydrometallurgy. However, this supply chain is associated with significant environmental challenges and lack of transparent industrial data. This study uses a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA) approach to quantify the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy use associated with the production of mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP) from low-grade Indonesian laterites via high-pressure acid leaching (HPAL), which is then refined in China for the production of battery-grade nickel sulphate hexahydrate (NiSO4·6H2O, NSH). Fifteen impact categories are analyzed using established impact assessment and allocation (mass and economic) methods. The analysis reveals that feed preparation/HPAL and purification are the stages that contribute most to environmental impacts and in particular to global warming potential (GWP). Mass allocation results in higher environmental impacts, with 36.8 kg CO2-eq per 1 kg of Ni in NSH for GWP, compared to 33.8 kg CO2-eq per 1 kg of Ni in NSH when economic allocation is used. Sensitivity analysis shows a potential reduction (up to 13 %) in key impact categories if production of NSH is fully integrated in Indonesia or a greener electricity mix is used. Overall, our results indicate that the production of MHP in Indonesia and its refinement to NSH in China has a GWP about two times higher than the global average. Given the limited number of LCA studies for the production of battery-grade nickel, this study highlights major environmental concerns for the NSH production process from Indonesian laterites and identifies opportunities for improvement, towards a more sustainable global battery supply chain.

Manufacturing of Fe-Ni Composite Oxide Powder and Leaching Process Optimization Via Nickel Pig Iron(NPI) Raw Materials

The lithium-ion battery industry is experiencing rapid growth in response to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, leading to a significant increase in demand for high-purity nickel compounds, a critical raw material. As a result, ensuring a smooth supply of nickel resources poses a critical challenge not only for the battery industry but also for enhancing the competitiveness of future clean energy industries. High-purity nickel production is predominantly carried out via the high-pressure acid leach (HPAL) process, which extracts nickel from nickel laterite ores. However, this process involves substantial initial capital investment and consumes significant energy due to high temperatures, high pressure, and strong acids. Additionally, this method is associated with environmental concerns such as water and soil pollution. Furthermore, an alternative approach is proposed, which involves adding sulfur to low-grade nickel pig iron (NPI) to produce the nickel matte, followed by an iron removal process to generate high-purity nickel sulfide. However, this method presents challenges such as waste generation from the iron removal process, high carbon emissions, and the production of large amounts of greenhouse gases. This study explored using anodic oxidation to induce oxidative reactions in NPI to nano-powder. This approach improves nickel recovery efficiency by increasing the surface area compared to the bulk state, allowing leaching at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. As a result, the process becomes simpler, with lower initial capital investment, making it economically viable. Additionally, the process requires less energy consumption, allowing for achieving the breakeven point at an earlier stage. This study compared the characteristics of the nano-powderized NPI under different voltage and current ranges. Furthermore, the nickel leaching efficiency was assessed based on leaching solution conditions.

Challenges in using Electrocoagulation Process in Removal of Nickel Metal in Wastewater: a Literature Review

In recent years, the surge in nickel production, driven by the growing demand for electric vehicle batteries, has raised concerns regarding environmental consequences. The nickel mining and processing industries contribute to increased nickel levels in wastewater, presenting a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health. This article emphasizes the urgency of developing effective technologies for treating nickel-contaminated wastewater. Electrocoagulation emerges as a promising method, providing high efficiency, minimal sludge production, and cost-effectiveness. The article critically and systematically reviews the potential of the electrocoagulation process in nickel removal from wastewater. In the review, we identify and analyze nearly 32 studies published from 2013 to 2023. We discuss contaminant removal mechanisms and analyze trends in the use of operational parameters. This article identifies the most commonly applied conditions: aluminum electrodes, inter-electrode spacing ≥ 1 cm, current density ≤ 10 mA/cm², initial pH 6 ≤ pH < 11, electrolysis time < 60 min, batch operation, and initial nickel concentration > 50 mg/L. This comprehensive review serves as a foundational resource for advancing electrocoagulation technology in the removal of heavy metals from nickel wastewater.

Community Assistance in the utilization of Nickel Slag in the Morosi Village

Morosi Village located in Konawe Regency is one of the areas in which there is a nickel processing company. The nickel processing produces solid waste, one of which is nickel slag. The amount of nickel slag is accumulating day by day, because each process of refining one ton of nickel product produces 50 times the solid waste, equivalent to 50 tons. So that from the results of quite a lot of waste, research was carried out to use solid waste as a concrete forming material, either as coarse and fine aggregate, or as a cement mixture. Government Regulation No. 101 of 2014 classifies nickel slag as B3 waste hazard category 2 with waste code B403. This means that nickel slag is a waste that has a delayed effect, and has an indirect impact on humans and the environment. Meanwhile, at the end of 2019, the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) concerning the choice of nickel slag material from electric furnaces. This SNI was also prepared by the Ministry of Industry to support the development of nickel slag standards and as a solution for nickel slag management. The existence of SNI is also intended as a reference to optimize the use of nickel slag as aggregate, substitute for natural aggregate and other uses. Some examples of products made from nickel slag include bricks, precast and ready-to-print concrete, road base and field, soil improvers, growing media and fertilizers, mortar and cement slag, composite portland cement, and cement geopolymers. To accommodate the use of nickel slag, assistance is needed to the community, especially in Morosi Village to be able to process with appropriate, effective and efficient technology in accordance with its physical characteristics and chemical characteristics. This will be an alternative to reduce the amount of nickel slag that can pollute the environment, in addition to increasing people's income.

Changes in the structure of red mud and black nickel mud after activation

This paper deals with the evaluation of the structure of selected hazardous wastes from the production of metals, namely waste from the production of aluminium - red mud and waste from the production of nickel - black nickel mud. In environmental applications, red mud and black nickel mud are likely to be used after activation. The samples were activated using hydrochloric acid to study the structure properties before and after the treatment. Both of these wastes have suitable adsorption and catalytic properties that could be positively affected by the activation of their surfaces. The morphology of the samples was documented by scanning electron microscope, phase analysis was performed using diffraction techniques, and the content of elements was determined by EDX analysis. Also, FTIR analysis of the samples was performed. Activation increases the specific surface area of samples, which is beneficial in many environmental applications, such as in the adsorptive removal of pollutants. Treatment of samples changes the surface properties of the adsorbent, such as electrostatic, hydrophobic, and hydrophilic. The activation creates a new surface structure and thus affects its properties. EDX analysis confirmed the high content of Fe, Al, Si and Ti, which are responsible for good adsorption and catalytic properties. X-ray diffractograms have shown only slight changes in the structure of wastes after activation. The results of SEM confirmed the changes in the surface structure and the creation of new active centres necessary for the successful adsorption process. The FTIR analysis determined the changes in the structure of the samples mainly due to the thermal degradation of C=O and O-Si-O bonds.

Improvement in the corrosion and wear properties of monel 400 alloy by electroless Ni-P deposition in seawater

Monel 400 alloy has been generally applied to marine equipment because of their outstanding corrosion resistance. However, poor abrasive resistance limits its service life. Herein, by depositing electroless Ni–P on Monel 400 alloy, the abrasive resistance after corrosion and wear tests and cathodic protection tests improved by 5 and 21 times, respectively. In addition, due to the inhibiting effect of the corrosion products of nickel and phosphorus, the corrosion resistance of the deposition is better. Ni–P deposition at 500 °C is more beneficial for improving the corrosion resistance and abrasive resistance of the alloy. More interestingly, the synergy between corrosion and wear of the alloy changes from inhibiting to promoting effects after Ni–P deposition.

How Public and Private Investment Reduces Poverty: A Case Study of Provinces with Nickel Production in Indonesia

How Public and Private Investment Reduces Poverty: A Case Study of Provinces with Nickel Production in Indonesia

The Impact of Increasing Nickel Production on Forest and Environment in Indonesia: A Review

The history of nickel mining in Indonesia began in the Verbeek Mountains in Sulawesi in 1901. The finding of nickel and its extraction occurred in the Netherlands, making it the pioneering site for this ore. Also, the substantial rise in the extraction of natural resources like nickel through mining would inevitably profoundly influence forests, which serve as the core of the ecosystem for both flora and fauna. This study aims to determine the consequences of the growing nickel production on Indonesia’s forests and environment. It involves examining the alterations in the forests due to the increased nickel production and evaluating the broader environmental effects. The research method used in this research is a literature review. This technique seeks to analyze, assess, and interpret diverse research findings to examine them within the investigated subject’s framework. The research result of this investigation demonstrates that the escalating nickel production in Indonesia is detrimental to forests and the environment, leading to deforestation, degradation of habitats, and contamination of the air and soil. These alterations present immediate hazards to human well-being, such as respiratory problems and effects on agricultural output. It is crucial to evaluate and improve the methods used for nickel production and adopt sustainable management strategies to reduce the negative impacts on the environment and protect both the ecosystem and human welfare. Keywords: ecosystem pollution, deforestation, forest management, nickel mining, water pollution

Sustainable metal-infused polymer feedstock compatible with low-cost metal sinter-based 3D printing

Additive manufacturing has been employed to fabricate metallic parts; however, prevalent techniques are expensive and energy consuming. Therefore, fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique has grabbed the attention of researchers and industries. Despite the promising results, available materials for metal FDM 3D printing are very limited. The current study presents the development of a novel metal-infused polymeric feedstock for FDM 3D printing, consists of spiky-shaped recycled nickel powders and polylactic-acid (PLA) polymer matrix. A low-cost desktop 3D printer is employed to produce green parts; subsequently, debinding/sintering processes can be conducted to achieve a fully metallic part. The low-cost recycled nickel powder that has been used in this study is produced using the low-carbon footprint Mond process, with a significant application in production and recycling of nickel- and iron-based batteries. Furthermore, PLA is chosen because it is bio-based and biodegradable with a lower carbon footprint in the carbon cycle than fossil-fuel-derived polymers. Therefore, the whole process is an ecofriendly cycle, stepping toward the sustainable and affordable production of metallic components. Regarding development of a novel feedstock material compatible with 3D printing, it is important to understand its properties. So, the developed feedstock materials were rheologically and physico-mechanically analyzed to find the optimum filler concentration.

Physical and monetary characterization of global nickel flow network

Nickel is a critical material to industrial applications and future low-carbon societies, due to its essential role in the steel industry and batteries. This study employs a combination of material flow analysis and complex network analysis to delve into the global nickel resource - its production, trade, and usage patterns, as well as their associated impacts. Results reveal an uneven global nickel trade distribution in 2021, necessitating an expansive trade network involving 232 countries and regions. Most trade activity was seen in intermediate nickel products, especially from Indonesia to China. Key commodities traded included ferronickel, nickel metal, stainless steel, and engineering products. Twenty core countries, including China, the U.S., and Indonesia, emerged as key nodes, dominating 74% of global nickel trade value, indicating concentrated production and trade activities. Developed countries typically occupied high value-added links in the industry chain. In terms of unit price of nickel, China benefited most per unit exported, while Australia incurred the highest import cost. Drawing on these findings, the study proposes several policy recommendations to enhance the sustainability of the nickel supply.

Beyond Tailpipe Emissions: Life Cycle Assessment Unravels Battery’s Carbon Footprint in Electric Vehicles

While electric vehicles (EVs) offer lower life cycle greenhouse gas emissions in some regions, the concern over the greenhouse gas emissions generated during battery production is often debated. This literature review examines the true environmental trade-offs between conventional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and emerging technologies such as solid-state batteries (SSBs) and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). It emphasizes the carbon-intensive nature of LIB manufacturing and explores how alternative technologies can enhance efficiency while reducing the carbon footprint. We have used a keyword search technique to review articles related to batteries and their environmental performances. The study results reveal that the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of battery production alone range from 10 to 394 kgCO2 eq./kWh. We identified that lithium manganese cobalt oxide and lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide batteries, despite their high energy density, exhibit higher GHGs (20–394 kgCO2 eq./kWh) because of the cobalt and nickel production. Lithium iron phosphate (34–246 kgCO2 eq./kWh) and sodium-ion (40–70 kgCO2 eq./kWh) batteries showed lower environmental impacts because of the abundant feedstock, emerging as a sustainable choice, especially when high energy density is not essential. This review also concludes that the GHGs of battery production are highly dependent on the regional grid carbon intensity. Batteries produced in China, for example, have higher GHGs than those produced in the United States (US) and European Union (EU). Understanding the GHGs of battery production is critical to fairly evaluating the environmental impact of battery electric vehicles.

Comparison study of three universal methods for the recovery and purification of valuable heavy metals from electroplating sludge

The large amount of heavy metals from waste electroplating sludge has great recovery and treatment value, which is of great significance for environmental protection, resource recycling and sustainable development. In actual process, metals were relatively easy to be extracted from sludge, but the separation process was more complex. In this study, three universal methods for extracting low-grade and complex heavy metals from electroplating sludge (actual solid waste sample from Zhejiang Province, China) in terms of Selective ammonia treatment process (SAP), efficient acid treatment process (EAP) and roasting-acid treatment process (RAP) were investigated. In comparison, EAP was more advanced in extracting heavy metals from actual samples than SAP and RAP. It was noticed, by optimizing the separation and purification process, when the acid concentration was 5 % and the liquid–solid ratio was 10:1 with the assistance of effective extractants of Lix984N and P507, the purity and recovery rates for both copper and zinc products could reach to over 90 %, meanwhile, more than 80 % recovery rates of nickel products could be obtained. And compared with some existing related studies, the research process has the advantages of simpler operation mode and better separation effect, which offers the valuable insights into efficient separation and recovery of heavy metal resources from electroplating sludge. The methodology employed in this work can be easily applied to other solid/hazardous waste extraction processes.

Material flow and domestic demand analysis for nickel in South Korea

Nickel is used as a raw material in the production of stainless steel and secondary batteries in South Korea due to its low corrosivity and high energy density. An unstable nickel supply can negatively affect Korea's industrial competitiveness. Therefore, to identify changes in the local nickel industry and compare and analyze nickel resource circulation and recycling rates, we conducted a material flow analysis of nickel in Korea for 2018 and 2021. An integrated material flow analysis methodology was used to construct the material flow using bottom-up and top-down methods. The results showed that the domestic demand for products connected to lithium-ion batteries increased compared to the demand in 2018, as did the demand for renewable energy and renewable energy-related items, such as electric vehicles, e-bikes, and lithium-ion batteries. However, the flow of stainless steel-related products has declined since 2018 because of the declining supply and demand for automotive semiconductors owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the paradigm shift from internal combustion to electric vehicles. As of 2021, the resource circulation rate and recycling rate of domestic nickel resources were 22.1% and 94.73%, respectively, an increase of 5.64% and a decrease of 19.3%, respectively, compared to 2018. The main reason for the increase in the recycling rate was that the recycled amount of end-of-life nickel products in 2021 increased compared to 2018. The main reason for the increase in the resource circulation rate was that the domestic input of lithium-ion batteries increased rapidly by 2021, but they are still in use because of the life span of lithium-ion batteries. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for industries and policymakers to develop strategies for securing nickel.

Simultaneous extraction and separation of Ni(OH)2, Ni powder and Ni plate from waste nickel-cobalt scrap in one spot: Control sequence of electrical reduction

Extracting valuable metals from waste lithium-ion batteries is beneficial to the long-term growth of social economy and environmental maintenance from lithium-ion batteries, yet it faces serious challenges. The study aims to propose a harmless and efficient electrolysis method for selectively preparing nickel products from lithium-ion batteries leachate by controlling the competitive reductive order for Ni2+ and H2O. Compared with current pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, and bio-metallurgy methods, electrolysis method allows selective preparation of different nickel products. No additional chemicals are introduced, or no membrane limitation. Achieving zero pollution emissions while saving costs. The results of serial experiments show that the level of nickel reduction can be controlled to produce different types of nickel products. The current efficiency reached a maximum value of 84.7±4.5%. 125 A/m2, 0.05 M Ni2+, 1.5 h, 60 A/m2, 0.1 M Ni2+, 2 h, 125 A/m2, 0.25 M Ni2+, 2 h are the optimal conditions for forming Ni(OH)2, black powder Ni and silvery flake Ni, respectively. In electrolysis process, selective nickel products, H2 and O2 can be prepared. H2 can be used as clean energy and increases economic benefits. This study provides a clean and high-efficiency method for selectively preparing nickel products from lithium-ion batteries leachate.

Selective Synthesis of α-Nickel Hydroxide through a Polyol Process

The polyol process is a straightforward method to produce metallic compounds through transformation from metal salt. An optimized procedure based on the polyol process in this research was developed for the selective synthesis of α-nickel hydroxide from metal salt. From various experimental results, the preparation of the sodium salt of ethylene glycol was crucial for the efficient production of α-nickel hydroxide. The structure of α-nickel hydroxide was studied by powder X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscope. The estimated Gibbs free energies for each step of the polyol process, employing density functional theory (DFT) calculations, confirmed the formation of nickel reaction intermediates, which mitigated the production of metallic nickel. The innovative point of this research is the finding that the intentional generation of nickel reaction intermediates leads to selective synthesis of α-nickel hydroxide.