Magnesium Nickel Oxide

Magnesium Nickel Oxide (Mg₀.₂Ni₀.₈O) is a solid solution of magnesium oxide (MgO) and nickel oxide (NiO). The chemical formula indicates that the material contains 20% magnesium and 80% nickel in terms of molar composition, making it a mixed oxide with distinct properties due to the combination of these two metal oxides.

Physical Properties:

Formula: Mg₀.₂Ni₀.₈O

This means the compound consists of 20% magnesium oxide and 80% nickel oxide by stoichiometry.

Appearance: Magnesium Nickel Oxide is typically a black to dark brown powder or crystalline material, depending on the specific preparation method.

Density: The material’s density will vary depending on its precise composition and structure but is generally higher than pure magnesium oxide due to the presence of nickel.

Melting Point: Like other metal oxides, Mg₀.₂Ni₀.₈O will have a high melting point, likely above 1,000°C, similar to other metal oxides.

Crystal Structure: Mg₀.₂Ni₀.₈O often forms in a mixed or composite crystalline structure, combining elements of both MgO (rock salt structure) and NiO (cubic structure).

Applications:

Electronics and Batteries: Magnesium Nickel Oxide, due to its conductivity and electronic properties, may be used in battery systems, particularly in rechargeable nickel-based batteries, like NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) batteries.

Catalysis: As a composite oxide, it might be used as a catalyst or catalyst support in various chemical processes, especially in reactions that involve oxygen or in environmental applications (e.g., catalytic converters).

Electrochemical Applications: Mg₀.₂Ni₀.₈O can be explored in fuel cells or other electrochemical devices due to its mixed oxidation states and conductivity properties, particularly in improving efficiency in energy storage.

Surface Coatings: This material may be used in thin films or coatings for high-temperature applications or in the development of sensors due to its electrical and chemical properties.