Palladium

Palladium (chemical symbol: Pd) is a transition metal with atomic number 46. It belongs to the platinum group metals, which also include platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, osmium, and iridium. It has a silvery-white colour and does not corrode easily.

The most important property of palladium is its ability to catalyse chemical reactions. It also has an unusual capacity to absorb hydrogen and allow it to penetrate the metal's interior, which has applications in the separation and storage of hydrogen.

Discovery

Palladium was discovered in the early years of the nineteenth century by the English scientist William Hyde Wollaston, who extracted it from platinum ore. The name derives from the asteroid Pallas, which was named after the Greek goddess Pallas Athena.

Applications

The largest portion of palladium produced is used in catalytic converters for motor vehicles, which convert exhaust gases such as carbon monoxide and incompletely burned hydrocarbons into less harmful gases. It is also used in electronic components (connectors and capacitors), dental alloys, jewellery, and in chemical plants for hydrogenation reactions.

Production and market

Palladium is typically found in association with nickel and copper, or in platinum ore. The largest producing countries include Russia and South Africa. The price of palladium is closely tied to demand from the automotive industry, making its market highly volatile. Recycling of used catalytic converters is a significant source of palladium supply.