STUDIES ON THE BASIC CARBONATES OF NICKEL Part VI: Thermal Decomposition of Basic Nickel Carbonates in Vacuum and the nature of the surfaces

Abstract

Various samples of basic nickel carbonates were subjected to thermal decomposition in vacuum at different temperatures. These carbonates were found to decompose when heated beyond 250°C. The amount of carbondioxide liberated at each temperature was measured. The results obtained were correlated with those obtained from other thermal studies and analysis.

The surface areas of the various basic nickel carbonates and of their products of decomposition were measured by following the adsorption of nitrogen and argon on them at -191°C and applying the B. E. T. equation as well as the method of Harkins and Jura. A marked increase in the surface area was observed when the precipitate was allowed to age in contact with the mother liquor prior to drying it.