nickelic oxide
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Definition
Meaning
A specific inorganic chemical compound containing nickel in the +3 oxidation state, with the formula Ni₂O₃.
In practical contexts, the term is often used to refer to various hydrated or non-stoichiometric forms of nickel(III) oxide. It is known as a black or dark green powder used historically in the nickel-cadmium (NiCad) battery industry and as a catalyst in certain chemical processes.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is purely technical, with no figurative or everyday meaning. It belongs to the specific domain of inorganic and electrochemistry. The 'nickelic' refers to the higher oxidation state (Ni³⁺), as opposed to 'nickelous' for Ni²⁺, though this distinction is becoming archaic in modern IUPAC naming.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage or meaning. Both dialects use the same term in the same technical contexts.
Connotations
None beyond its scientific definition.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Nickelic oxide] is used as [a catalyst/an electrode material].[The compound/reaction] involves the use of [nickelic oxide].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
No usage.
Academic
Found in chemistry, materials science, and electrochemistry textbooks and research papers discussing nickel compounds, battery chemistry, or catalysts.
Everyday
No usage.
Technical
Used in patents, technical manuals (e.g., for battery manufacturing), and chemical supply catalogs.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The nickelic oxide layer degraded over time.
American English
- The nickelic oxide layer degraded over time.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Nickelic oxide is a chemical.
- Nickelic oxide is used in some batteries.
- The performance of the nickelic oxide electrode depends on its preparation method.
- Early nickel-cadmium batteries utilised a nickelic oxide cathode, but modern variants often employ nickel oxyhydroxide (NiOOH).
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: Nickelic = Nickel with an 'IC' for the higher, Ionic Charge (3+), paired with Oxide (O²⁻).
Conceptual Metaphor
None applicable; it is a concrete material substance.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'nickel oxide', which is a broader term. 'Никель(III) оксид' is the direct and correct translation.
- Avoid literal translation of 'nickelic' as 'никелевый'; the specific chemical term is 'оксид никеля(III)'.
Common Mistakes
- Spelling 'nickelic' as 'nickleic' or 'nickleic'.
- Confusing it with more common nickel oxides like NiO.
- Using the term outside a strictly chemical context.
Practice
Quiz
What is the oxidation state of nickel in nickelic oxide?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Nickel oxide' is a general term that can refer to several compounds, including NiO (nickel(II) oxide) and Ni₂O₃ (nickelic oxide or nickel(III) oxide). 'Nickelic oxide' is specific to the Ni³⁺ compound.
Its primary historical use was as a precursor material in the positive electrodes (cathodes) of nickel-cadmium batteries. It is also encountered in research as a catalyst.
It is somewhat archaic. The modern IUPAC-preferred name is 'nickel(III) oxide' (Ni₂O₃). 'Nickelic' comes from an older system of distinguishing between oxidation states with '-ous' (lower) and '-ic' (higher).
Like many nickel compounds, it should be handled with care as it may be a skin irritant and a potential carcinogen with prolonged exposure. Specific safety data must be consulted for handling.