Carbidenickel

Carbidenickel, commonly referred to as nickel carbide, denotes chemical compounds composed of nickel and carbon. The most well-characterized member is nickel carbide Ni3C, which occurs as an intermetallic phase under carburizing conditions.

Ni3C has a nickel-to-carbon ratio of 3:1 and forms when nickel interacts with carbon-containing species at elevated temperatures. In practical terms, it is often observed as a surface or bulk phase on nickel catalysts exposed to hydrocarbons such as methane at high temperatures, where carburization can modify catalytic properties. It is typically hard and brittle.

Formation methods include carburization of metallic nickel via exposure to methane, carbon monoxide, or other carbon-containing gases at high temperature, and deposition techniques such as chemical vapor deposition using nickel precursors and carbon sources. The phase can be transient or persistent depending on temperature, gas composition, and alloy makeup.

Occurrences: It is frequently discussed in the context of nickel catalysts used in steam reforming, methanation, and other hydrocarbon processing reactions, where carbide formation can affect activity, stability, and resistance to sintering. In materials science, nickel carbides are studied for potential wear-resistant coatings and composite materials, though practical uses are limited by stability concerns.

Safety: Nickel compounds are potentially hazardous and can cause skin sensitization and other health effects; handling of nickel and carbon-containing materials should follow appropriate safety guidelines. Ni3C itself should be handled as a potentially hazardous material in accordance with regulations governing nickel compounds.