Uses of Nickel Complexes

Hydrogen Production

Scientist Daniel DuBois, from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, along with other scientists, discovered in 2011 that a nickel catalyst could help produce hydrogen for energy, quickly and efficiently. Up to this discovery, hydrogen came from platinum electrodes, an expensive and scare metal. By creating a nickel complex surrounded by pendant amines, proton relays channel proton into place so they can join to form hydrogen. This discovery may benefit the world as an abundant and inexpensive form of energy.

Since renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power are intermittent, a way to store the energy is essential. Hydrogen gas, produced from nickel, could be the answer. The generation of hydrogen gas is efficient enough to convert all of the electricity captured through renewable sources into chemical energy. Replacing platinum catalysts with nickel complexes is a cost-effective solution. According to Physorg.com, research teams from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s Center for Molecular Electrocatalysis and Villanova University continue to work on developing nickel-based complexes that increase the turnover frequency and decrease over-potential.

Nickel complexes derived from nickel salt help adhere vulcanized rubber onto metal surfaces. Nickel salts suitable for adhesion are nickel and cobalt complexes along with sulfates, chlorides, bromides and acetates. A solution containing solvents, such as ethers, alcohols, acid amides, sulfones, sulfoxides, ketones or halogenated hydrocarbons dissolve the salts. When heated to above 212 degrees, the nickel mixture, along with a vulcanisable elastomer mixture, reacts. The reaction results in a mixture capable of permanently bonding to metal.

Nickel organic complexes in agricultural film protect it from degradation due to UV light. Nickel ions stop the energy before it can break molecular bonds and generate free radicals. Some nickel complexes, such as that used in polyolefin fiber applications, is resistant to pesticides -- a desirable attribute in agriculture film. Polyolefin fiber is a light stabilizer used in plastics. Stabilizers containing nickel complexes pose potential toxicity concerns in the U.S., but the use of polyolefins continues due to their cost-effectiveness and performance.