THE EFFECT OF ALKALI SALT CATALYST ON THE CARBOTHERMIC REDUCTION OF NICKEL-OXIDE

Two kinds of catalysts were added to the mixture of NiO and C to study their effects. They are Li//2CO//3 and a eutectic mixture of K//2CO//3 and Na//2CO//3, (KNa)//2CO//3. The reactions took place at 800 degree C where both catalysts were in the molten state. The carbothermic reduction of NiO is different from the reduction of other metal oxide systems where it has been observed that fused salts are excellent catalysts. In the case of NiO, it appears that the product of the reduction, Ni, acts as an even more powerful catalyst than the salt, thus reducing the need for the salt. 5 Refs.