Physico-Chemical Characterization of Chemically Precipitated Nickel in a Synthetic Aqueous Media

Physico-Chemical Characterization of Chemically Precipitated Nickel in a Synthetic Aqueous Media | Chapter 04 | Theory and Applications of Chemistry Vol. 3

In the liquid-liquid and solid-liquid systems there is possible to promote the chemical precipitation of certain species by controlling the physical-chemical conditions of the liquid media. In the case of solid-liquid interactions the chemical precipitates can adsorb on the surface of particles modifying their surface properties (i.e. during milling), whereas for the liquid-liquid system this precipitation contributes to clean for instance wastewater contaminated with heavy metals.

In this work nickel sulfate hexahydrate (NiSO4 ∙ 6H2O) was dissolved in distilled water, to establish the physicochemical conditions (pH, electrochemical potential, ionic strength, activity coefficient) that enhance the chemical precipitation of nickel species.
The chemical analysis of precipitates was carried out by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transformed infrared spectrometry, and the quantitative chemical analysis of liquids was carried out by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The zeta potential of nickel precipitates was also determined.

The experimental results show that nickel precipitates as nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)2) starting at pH 3, being more evident at pH 9. Nickel precipitates completely at pH 11. From zeta potential measurements the surface charge goes from negative to positive with the IEP at pH around 11, such behavior is attributed to the change of nickel hydroxide type from α-Ni(OH)2 to β-Ni(OH)2.

The functional groups of nickel precipitates were obtained through FTIR spectrometry, where the peak at 3650 cm-1 represents the free OH group in the β-Ni(OH)2 phase.

From these results, there is possible to propose a cleaning route of water contaminated with nickel.

Author(s) Details

G. Ramiro Escudero
Institute of Research in Metallurgy and Materials, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Morelia, Michoacán, México.

E. Eunice Espinoza
Institute of Research in Metallurgy and Materials, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Morelia, Michoacán, México.

Feng Rao
Institute of Research in Metallurgy and Materials, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Morelia, Michoacán, México.

A. Javier Guillen
Department of Research, Higher Technological Institute of Tacámbaro, Tecario, Tacámbaro, Michoacán, México.

View Volume:

Media