The Gravimetric Analysis of Nickel Using a Microwave Oven

• Published in: Journal of chemical education Vol. 74; no. 8; p. 986
• Main Authors: Carmosini, Nadia, Ghoreshy, Sanaz, Koether, Marina C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Easton Division of Chemical Education 01.08.1997; American Chemical Society
• Subjects: Accuracy; Chemistry; Educational Benefits; Experiments; Gravimetric analysis; Heat; Microwaves; Nickel; Nickel ores; Research Methodology; Teaching Methods; Water; Weapons; New York; Canada; Chicago Illinois; United States > US; Second-Year Undergraduate; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; Analytical Chemistry; Gravimetric Analysis
• ISSN: 0021-9584; 1938-1328
• DOI: 10.1021/ed074p986

The procedure for the gravimetric quantitative analysis of the percent of nickel in steel has been modified to include the use of a microwave oven. Experiments performed with the microwave oven gave an average recovery of 99.9+0.3% whereas the conventional method gave a value of 99.5+0.6%. The Ni(DMG)2 samples, which were digested and dried in the microwave oven, showed no physical difference indicating that there was no chemical modification of the precipitate due to the microwave radiation. The microwave oven proved to be very useful for time efficiency, not only for the digestion and heating of the steel ore, but also for the drying of the ore, the crucibles, and the Ni(DMG)2 precipitate. The most significant advantages occur with the cooling time. However, it is not suggested that the entire experiment be performed with the microwave since constant attention, which is required with the microwave drying method, is not necessary for the conventional oven method. Therefore, in order to be more time effective, thought should be given as to which part of the method should be performed with the microwave and which should be performed with the conventional oven.