Catalysts (1% of total primary nickel use)
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Nickel-containing catalysts are used in various organic processes, notably in the hydrogenation of fats.
Catalysts can be produced metallurgically -- by melting nickel with other metals and casting or shotting the
mixture. Alternatively, catalysts can be produced chemically by depositing a thin coating onto a substrate,
often a ceramic substrate.
Catalyst formulation is closely held proprietary technology but it is probable that nickel arising during the early stages of the production process is simply returned to the process. Nickel arising at a later stage of the process, e.g., when already coated onto a substrate, is sold to those companies who specialise in handling end-of-life catalysts.
It is common for catalyst companies to take back spent catalysts from their customers and arrange for the
recycling themselves. This is partly to preserve confidentiality.
Next: End-of-Life Scrap
