Nickel catalyst-A review

For hydrogenation reactions in organic chemical processes, nickel occupies the most prominent place as a catalyst. Large number of fields in which nickel is used are reported in the literature and the list is still growing. New formulations and new applications in the field of catalysts are forging ahead. Among these fields are the artificial ageing of liquors, drying of oils, bleaching, waste water purification, removal of organic sulphur compounds from coal gas, manufacture of alcohol from gas oil, manufacture of hydrazine from urea, hydrocarbon conversion processes, fuel cells, automotive gas purifiers, etc. Many nickel alloys, such as those with aluminium, molybdenum and other elements, and various nickel compounds like nickelous oxide, nickel sulphide, nickel borides, etc., also have catalytic properties. Perhaps the biggest future challenge to the catalyst field lies in pollution abetment. (Shri B.N. Singh, Scientist, National Metallurgical Laboratory)