How is Raney nickel prepared, and what safety precautions are essential during its production?

How is Raney nickel prepared, and what safety precautions are essential during its production?
Raney nickel production starts with melting nickel and aluminum in a 1:1 mass ratio, followed by quenching and pulverizing into fine particles. The alloy is then treated with concentrated sodium hydroxide, which dissolves aluminum and leaves behind a porous nickel skeleton with surface areas reaching 100-150 m²/g. The NiAl phase resists leaching, so reaction time, alkali concentration, and temperature critically determine final pore structure and catalytic activity. Safety is a major concern: dry Raney nickel is pyrophoric and rarely sold in that form. Commercial grades are typically supplied water-wet to reduce risk, and water does not interfere with most hydrogenation reactions. Some stabilized grades contain activated carbon, appearing black, which improves safety but still requires careful handling.