Nickel
Atomic Data
| Atomic Number | 28 |
| Symbol | Ni |
| Atomic Weight | 58.693 u |
| Density (STP) | 8.908 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1454.85 °C (1728 K) |
| Boiling Point | 2912.85 °C (3186 K) |
| Electronegativity | 1.91 (Pauling) |
| Electron Config. | 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d8 4s2 |
| Oxidation States | +2, +3, +4 |
| Phase at STP | Solid |
| Category | Transition Metal |
| Period / Group | 4 / 10 |
| CAS Number | 7440-02-0 |
Electron Configuration
[Ar] 3d8 4s2
| Shell | n | Subshell | Electrons | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K | 1 | 1s | 2 | 2 |
| L | 2 | 2s | 2 | 4 |
| L | 2 | 2p | 6 | 10 |
| M | 3 | 3s | 2 | 12 |
| M | 3 | 3p | 6 | 18 |
| M | 3 | 3d | 8 | 26 |
| N | 4 | 4s | 2 | 28 |
| Total | 28 | 28 | ||
Isotopes of Nickel
Nickel has five naturally occurring stable isotopes. The most abundant is ⁵⁸Ni, comprising 68.077% of all naturally occurring Nickel.
| Isotope | Symbol | Protons | Neutrons | Abundance | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nickel-58 | ⁵⁸Ni | 28 | 30 | 68.077 | Stable |
| Nickel-60 | ⁶⁰Ni | 28 | 32 | 26.223 | Stable |
| Nickel-61 | ⁶¹Ni | 28 | 33 | 1.14 | Stable |
| Nickel-62 | ⁶²Ni | 28 | 34 | 3.634 | Stable |
| Nickel-64 | ⁶⁴Ni | 28 | 36 | 0.926 | Stable |
Abundance & Occurrence
Nickel is present in Earth's crust at approximately 84 ppm by mass and at approximately 49 ppm by mass throughout the universe.
Earth's Crust (ppm by mass)
Universe (ppm by mass)
Discovery & History
Read more about the discovery of the periodic table of elements →
Safety & Handling
- Nickel allergy and sensitisation: Nickel is the most common cause of allergic contact dermatitis worldwide; once sensitised, individuals react to jewellery, coins, and any nickel-containing surface: sensitisation is lifelong.
- Nickel compounds: carcinogenicity: Nickel compounds, particularly nickel subsulfide and nickel oxide, are Group 1 human carcinogens (IARC); occupational exposure in nickel refining is associated with elevated lung and nasal sinus cancer risk.
- Nickel carbonyl: acute hazard: Ni(CO)4 is one of the most acutely toxic industrial chemicals; exposure causes a characteristic delayed pulmonary oedema that can be fatal 12–36 hours after exposure with no immediate warning symptoms.
- Dust and powder: Fine nickel powder is flammable; inhalation of nickel dust above occupational exposure limits requires respiratory controls and regular biological monitoring.
Nickel in the Real World
Real-World Uses
- Stainless steel alloying: Nickel (8–10% in 304 stainless steel, 10–14% in 316 grade) stabilises the austenitic microstructure, improving corrosion resistance, formability, and low-temperature toughness of stainless steel products.
- Rechargeable batteries: Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries power hybrid vehicles and consumer electronics; nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) cathodes in lithium-ion cells are increasingly used in electric vehicles for improved energy density.
- Electroplating: Nickel plating provides a decorative and corrosion-resistant finish on steel, zinc die-castings, and plastics for automotive trim, bathroom fixtures, and consumer electronics before a final chrome or gold top coat.
- Superalloys: Nickel-based superalloys (Inconel, Nimonic, Waspaloy) are used in jet engine turbine blades, discs, and combustion chambers because they retain strength and oxidation resistance at temperatures close to their melting point.
- Catalysts: Nickel catalysts on alumina or silica supports drive the hydrogenation of vegetable oils to margarine, the steam reforming of natural gas to produce hydrogen, and the methanation of CO₂ in gas purification.
- Coins and coinage alloys: Cupronickel (75% Cu, 25% Ni) is used for many circulating coins worldwide, including US quarters and dimes, valued for its corrosion resistance, hardness, and characteristic silver colour.
Downloadable Resources
Free periodic table reference sheets for classrooms, study sessions, and laboratory use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is nickel used for?
Nickel is widely used in stainless steel and other corrosion-resistant alloys, accounting for the largest share of nickel consumption. It is a key component of rechargeable batteries (nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion NMC types). Nickel is also used in electroplating to give a hard, shiny, corrosion-resistant finish to other metals, and in coins in many countries.
Is nickel a health hazard?
Nickel is one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis: the characteristic rash from cheap jewellery containing nickel. Long-term occupational inhalation of nickel compounds has been linked to lung and nasal cancers. However, dietary nickel at the trace levels found in food is not considered harmful and may be essential in small amounts.
How was nickel discovered?
Nickel was isolated in 1751 by Swedish chemist Axel Fredrik Cronstedt from the mineral niccolite (NiAs). German miners had long called this ore 'Kupfernickel' (copper nickel or Old Nick's copper) because it looked like copper ore but yielded no copper, as if a mischievous spirit had tricked them. Cronstedt showed it contained a new metal entirely.
What are nickel superalloys?
Nickel-based superalloys are engineered to maintain their strength and resist oxidation at temperatures above 1000 °C, conditions that would cause most metals to fail. They are the material of choice for the hottest parts of jet engines and gas turbines, including turbine blades that operate in gases hotter than the melting point of the blade's own alloy, kept solid only by internal cooling channels.