nickel oxide
C1technical/scientific
Definition
Meaning
A compound of nickel and oxygen, typically as NiO (nickel(II) oxide) or Ni₂O₃ (nickel(III) oxide), often used as a catalyst, pigment, or in battery production.
In materials science, it refers to various nickel-oxygen compounds with applications in electronics, ceramics, and chemical manufacturing. In geology, it can refer to naturally occurring minerals containing nickel and oxygen.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a technical term in chemistry and materials science. Can refer to specific stoichiometric compounds (NiO, Ni₂O₃) or more generally to oxides containing nickel.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both varieties use the same term with identical meaning.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in general language, equally high in technical contexts across both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
nickel oxide is used as [a catalyst/an electrode material]nickel oxide can be [synthesised/prepared] bynickel oxide reacts with [acid/hydrogen]nickel oxide forms [a layer/a film] onVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “none”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in reports about battery manufacturing, catalyst production, or mineral trading.
Academic
Common in chemistry, materials science, and engineering papers discussing synthesis, properties, or applications.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation except by specialists.
Technical
Standard term in chemical formulations, materials specifications, and laboratory procedures.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The nickel will oxidise to form nickel oxide.
- We need to nickel oxide the surface through thermal treatment.
American English
- The nickel will oxidize to form nickel oxide.
- We need to nickel oxide the surface through thermal treatment.
adjective
British English
- The nickel-oxide coating proved effective.
- We analysed the nickel oxide content.
American English
- The nickel-oxide coating proved effective.
- We analyzed the nickel oxide content.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Nickel oxide is a chemical compound.
- Some batteries contain nickel oxide.
- The catalyst contained nickel oxide as the active component.
- Nickel oxide films are used in some electronic devices.
- The researchers synthesised mesoporous nickel oxide for enhanced electrochemical performance.
- Passivation of the nickel surface resulted in a thin, protective layer of nickel oxide.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a nickel coin turning green (oxidizing) – that's nickel oxide forming on the surface.
Conceptual Metaphor
None specific; treated as a literal chemical entity.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as 'никелевый оксид' unless in a very formal chemical context; 'оксид никеля' is the standard term.
- Avoid confusing with 'никель-оксидный' which is an adjectival form.
- Note that 'окись никеля' is an older, less common term.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'nickle oxide' (incorrect spelling of nickel).
- Confusing nickel oxide (NiO) with nickel alloys or other nickel compounds.
- Pronouncing 'oxide' with stress on the first syllable (should be on the second).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary use of nickel oxide in industry?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Nickel oxide dust can be harmful if inhaled, and nickel compounds are considered potential carcinogens. Proper safety equipment should be used when handling it.
Nickel(II) oxide (NiO) is typically green, while nickel(III) oxide (Ni₂O₃) is black.
Nickel oxide is generally a semiconductor or an insulator, not a good conductor like metal. Its conductivity can change with temperature and structure.
The mineral bunsenite is a natural form of nickel(II) oxide (NiO), but it is rare. Most nickel oxide used industrially is synthetically produced.