Going platinum
Peroxide fusion and automotive catalytic converters
A double-platinum album, a piece of fine platinum jewelry, a platinum membership … In our daily lives, platinum is a byword for quality and shine. In reality, of course, this precious metal is much more than just a pretty face.
As key components in catalytic converters, three main platinum group metals – platinum, palladium, and rhodium – play an important role in reducing harmful emissions from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle exhausts and greening the automotive industry. But platinum also has a bright future in the energy transition. In fact, a hydrogen-powered engine requires more platinum than an ICE catalytic converter.
In short supply
Over the course of, the overall demand for platinum, palladium, and rhodium fell by 7% in response to the COVID-19 outbreak – but the global supply of these important (yet rare) elements dropped by an alarming 20%.[1] Meanwhile, palladium and rhodium prices reached all-time highs.[2] Given the scarcity of natural resources and the huge costs involved in extracting and refining the metals, automotive manufacturers are wondering how to meet the fast-recovering demand for these elements without incurring devastating costs.
One part of the answer is to make better use of the platinum group metals we already have available, using secondary supplies rather than freshly mined materials. The source? Catalytic converters from vehicles coming off the road. However, this approach is no guarantee of cost savings – the composition of the three elements in catalysts is highly variable, and prices are volatile.
Luckily, there’s a simple solution for dissolving samples from scrap catalysts, ready to carry out quality ICP analysis that will help you make the right decision!
Modern solutions for modern manufacturers
Meet Claisse, Malvern Panalytical’s range of sample preparation instruments.
Our technology uses a revolutionary sodium peroxide fusion method, ensuring top-of-the-range accuracy and precision when determining platinum, palladium, and rhodium content in ICP-OES analysis. The Claisse fusion approach dissolves the entire sample in under 10 minutes, and, unlike in aqua regia digestion procedures, there’s no need for hazardous acids, making our solutions safer as well as more efficient. (Read this blog to learn more about why you should use Fusion to prepare your samples for both ICP-OES and XRF samples)
No matter your sodium peroxide fusion needs and applications, our Claisse range has the answer – from the powerful, single-position LeNeo to the new and improved version of TheOx, with its adaptable preparation parameters and high-throughput capabilities.
Our solutions come with Malvern Panalytical’s innovation, collaboration, and support, every step of the way – and, of course, it’s all at a platinum standard!
For more information, download the Malvern Panalytical application note – and discover the full Claisse range on our website.
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