The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing 1989-2025
  

  Thread 554/38

Electrolytic recovery of nickel [Pakistan]

I'm recovering nickel metal from chloride solution using electrolytic process. can anyone tell me what should be the proper voltage and and what are the additional chemicals, which should be added to improve deposition...

Fahad Mateen
Hobbyist - Pakistan
July 28, 2010
publicly reply to Fahad Mateen

---

July 30, 2010

Electrolytic recovery of nickel is more difficult than most other metals. Usually, chloride is not the preferred electrolyte because chlorine gas will be generated at the anode.

It usually requires heat to > 50 degrees C, pH control to maintain the pH to > 2.5, and a buffer like boric acid or an organic acid to prevent precipitation of nickel hydroxide on the cathode.

Also, since electroplated nickel tends to form trees that can short circuit the cell, it is best to also install fuses or circuit breakers on the electrodes to reduce the risk of fires.

All of this being said, you may wish to investigate other nickel recovery methods before deciding on electrolytic recovery.

Lyle Kirman
consultant - Cleveland Heights, Ohio
publicly reply to Lyle Kirman

---

I'm recovering nickel metal from chloride solution using electrolytic process. can anyone tell me what should be the proper voltage and and what are the additional chemicals, which should be added to improve deposition...

Fahad Mateen
student - Pakistan
publicly reply to Fahad Mateen