Spectrophotometric studies and applications for the determination of Ni2+ in zinc–nickel alloy electrolyte

The absorption properties of zinc–nickel alloy electrolyte were studied by visible spectrophotometer. The results show that the relationship between the absorbance of the zinc–nickel alloy electrolyte and Ni2+ concentration in the electrolyte obeys Beer’s law at 660 nm. In addition, other components except Ni2+ in the zinc–nickel alloy electrolyte such as zinc chloride, ammonium chloride, potassium chloride and boric acid have no obvious effect on the absorbance of zinc–nickel alloy electrolyte. Based on these properties, a new method is developed to determine Ni2+ concentration in zinc–nickel alloy electrolyte. Comparing with other methods, this method is simple, direct and accurate. Moreover, the whole testing process does not consume any reagent and dilution, and after testing, the electrolyte samples can be reused without any pollution to the environment.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► The absorbance of the Zn–Ni electrolyte has a liner relationship with Ni2+ content. ► The effects of Zn2+ and NH4+ on the absorbance of Zn–Ni electrolyte can be ignored. ► The effects of temperature and pH on the absorbance of Zn–Ni electrolyte are limited. ► A simple method for determination of Ni2+ in Zn–Ni alloy electrolyte is described.