Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) are a group of transition metals and are found in the platinum family located in the periodic table. They include: platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and osmium. These metals have a variety of characteristics that make them desirable for catalytic applications.
Platinum group metals are preferred as catalysts for their high activity and selectivity for chemical reactions. They are also characterized by their resistance to chemical attack, making them useful for catalytic applications that require long-term stability. Many transition metal catalysts, such as nickel and cobalt, are prone to corrosion under certain conditions; however, the PGMs are resistant to these corrosive conditions. Additionally, the PGMs can withstand high temperatures, making them good catalysts for reactions requiring high heat.
The most common use of PGMs as catalysts is for automotive emission control systems. Platinum catalysts are used to reduce toxic carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions in motor vehicle exhaust systems. The catalytic converter contains two chambers: a reduction chamber and an oxidation chamber. The reduction chamber contains a catalytic material composed of a combination of PGMs, while the oxidation chamber contains either platinum or palladium. The PGMs used in catalytic converters are very active and efficient in breakdown of the toxic gases, which reduces the emission of these harmful materials from motor vehicles.
In addition to automotive applications, PGMs are also used as catalysts in various industrial processes. For example, Platinum and Palladium are used in processes for the production of hydrogen, and Rhodium is used for reforming of hydrocarbons, such as methane and ethane, to produce synthetic fuels.
PGMs are also used in the pharmaceutical industry to make synthetic drugs more efficient. Rhodium, iridium and ruthenium are often used as catalysts in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) due to their high activity and selectivity. The use of PGMs in API manufacturing can improve the purity and cost effectiveness of the process.
PGMs can also be used as environmental catalysts. For example, Rhodium is used to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxide in industrial boilers used in power plants and other industries. Additionally, PGMs can be used for water purification processes, such as removing toxic metals from water sources.
In conclusion, Platinum Group Metals are beneficial for many catalytic applications due to their chemical properties. They exhibit high selectivity and activity, are resistant to corrosion and heat, and can be used as catalysts in the automotive and industrial sectors. Additionally, PGMs are environmentally friendly and are commonly used for environmental protection, such as in water purification processes.
