Nickel is involved in several important catalytic reactions, including:
Hydrogenation - Nickel catalysts are extensively used in the hydrogenation of unsaturated hydrocarbons, converting alkenes and alkynes into alkanes. Reforming - In petroleum refining, nickel catalysts help in reforming processes to convert naphthenes and paraffins into aromatic hydrocarbons. Methanation - Nickel catalysts facilitate the methanation of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide to produce methane, a critical step in synthetic natural gas production. Steam Reforming - Nickel is a key catalyst in steam reforming of hydrocarbons to produce hydrogen and synthesis gas (syngas). Electrocatalysis - Nickel-based catalysts are used in electrochemical reactions, such as the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in water splitting.
