What You Need to Know about Recycling Platinum Group Metal Scrap
What are platinum group metals, where are they found and what are they used for?
Platinum group metals (PGMs) are a group of six metallic elements that belong to the platinum group on the periodic table.
They are:
platinum (Pt), currently trading for $1,016.00 per ounce
palladium (Pd), currently trading for $1,036.00
rhodium (Rh), $6,200
ruthenium (Ru), $464.00
iridium (Ir), $4,600
osmium (Os), $425.00
They share similar physical and chemical properties, which make them valuable and useful in various industries. All of them resist corrosion, conduct electricity well, and are malleable and relatively easy to shape into a variety of forms.
But They Are Rare
PGMs are relatively rare in the Earth's crust and are often found together in ore deposits. The primary sources of these metals are concentrated in a few countries, with the largest reserves located in South Africa, Russia, and Zimbabwe. Other countries like Canada, the United States, and Colombia also contribute to global production.
Main Applications and Uses
Here's an overview of each PGM and their main applications:
Platinum (Pt): Platinum is highly valued for its catalytic properties, corrosion resistance, and high melting point. It is extensively used in catalytic converters for vehicles, as well as in various industrial processes, such as petroleum refining, chemical production, and electrical applications. Platinum is also used in jewelry and in certain medical devices.
Palladium (Pd): Palladium is widely used in catalytic converters, especially for gasoline-powered vehicles. Its ability to facilitate chemical reactions while withstanding high temperatures makes it an essential component for reducing harmful emissions. Palladium is also used in electronics, dentistry, and jewelry.
Rhodium (Rh): Rhodium has the highest melting point among all the elements and is highly resistant to corrosion. It is primarily used as a catalyst in vehicle catalytic converters, helping to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. Rhodium is also utilized in the production of glass, electrical contacts, and as a finish for jewelry and decorative items.
Ruthenium (Ru): Ruthenium is often alloyed with other metals to enhance their properties. It is used in electronics, as a catalyst in various chemical reactions, and in the production of certain types of glass and ceramics. Ruthenium is also employed in the field of solar energy as a component in solar cells.
Iridium (Ir): Iridium has one of the highest densities among the elements and is extremely corrosion-resistant. It is used in spark plugs, electrical contacts, and certain types of electrodes. Iridium's resistance to high temperatures makes it valuable in various industries, including chemical processing, electronics, and aerospace.
Osmium (Os): Osmium is known for its hardness and high melting point. It is mainly used in alloys with other metals to increase hardness and corrosion resistance. Osmium alloys find applications in fountain pen tips, electrical contacts, and instrument pivots. Osmium tetroxide, a compound of osmium, is used in microscopy and organic synthesis.
Overall, platinum group metals play vital roles in numerous industries due to their unique properties, including catalytic activity, high melting points, and corrosion resistance. These metals are particularly valuable in automotive applications, chemical production, electronics, and jewelry.
How Can You Tell Which Kind of Platinum Scrap You Have?
Because they are all white and shiny, it is difficult to tell which kind of platinum group metal you are looking at.
To further complicate your ability to identify them, their color changes when they have been used in catalytic converters and in industrial production. For that reason, the quickest and more efficient way to identify the kind of platinum scrap you have is to send a sample to Specialty Metals Smelters and Refiners for testing.
Call us at 800-426-2344 to learn how we can test your platinum and platinum metal group scrap for analysis and evaluation.