1. Performance Chemicals

• Precursor for Nickel Compounds: Nickel carbonate is a common starting material for synthesizing other nickel salts like nickel acetate and nickel sulfamate. It's also used in the production of various nickel-containing catalysts and organic nickel salts. 
• Production of Nickel Oxide: Heating nickel carbonate decomposes it into nickel oxide (NiO), carbon dioxide, and water. This nickel oxide can then be further processed to obtain nickel powder, which is used in magnetic materials and carbide production.

2. Energy

• Lithium-ion Batteries: Nickel carbonate is a key component in the cathode material of lithium-ion batteries, which are widely used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems. The increasing demand for electric vehicles is a major driver for the growing market of nickel carbonate. 
• Catalysts: Nickel carbonate is used as a precursor for nickel-based catalysts in various applications, including direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) and other chemical reactions. In DMFCs, it can be used to create hybrid electrocatalysts that improve the performance and durability of the fuel cells. 
• Electroplating: It is used in electroplating processes, particularly for electronic components like printed circuit boards, where it helps in depositing nickel coatings for various purposes.

3. Metal Treatment

• Electroplating: Nickel carbonate is a key component in preparing nickel plating baths, where it serves as a source of nickel ions. It's used to deposit a protective and corrosion-resistant nickel coating on other metals.
• Metal Treatment Chemicals: Nickel carbonate is used in the production of other nickel compounds, such as nickel oxide and nickel powder, which are further utilized in various metal treatment applications. It serves as a starting material for catalysts used in metal refining and other chemical processes.