Nickel (Ni)

Nickel (Ni) is a naturally occurring metallic element valued for its strength, corrosion resistance and ability to withstand high temperatures. It is widely used in stainless steel, alloys, batteries, electrolysers and industrial catalysts. In clean-energy technologies, nickel is important in some lithium-ion battery chemistries and in hydrogen production equipment, particularly alkaline electrolysers. Researchers also use nickel as a lower-cost alternative to precious metals such as platinum in catalytic reactions. In photocatalytic hydrogen production, small amounts of nickel can create active sites that support the conversion of hydrogen ions into hydrogen gas and improve the movement of electrical charges through the catalyst. Although nickel is more abundant and generally cheaper than platinum, its mining and processing can create environmental and social impacts, making responsible sourcing, recycling and efficient material use important considerations.