THE EVALUATION OF PLATINUM GROUP METALS (PGMS) AND THEIR RECOVERY FROM CAR CATALYTIC CONVERTERS

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THE EVALUATION OF PLATINUM GROUP METALS (PGMS) AND THEIR RECOVERY FROM CAR CATALYTIC CONVERTERS

Journal Title: Structure and Environment - Year 2017, Vol 0, Issue 2

Abstract

Car catalysts significantly reduce air pollution - by reducing NOx and oxidizing CO and HC. Every car put on the market must be equipped with a catalytic reactor in which the noble metals platinum, palladium and rhodium have a catalytic function. With the rapid development of the automotive industry and stringent emission regulations, the demand for platinum group metals is steadily increasing. PGM is used in many industries. The resources of these metals are constantly shrinking with increasing demand. Operation of catalysts causes the emission of PGMs to the environment. The recovery of platinum group metals from car catalysts has increased over the past decade, but is still insufficient. Processing 2 tons of used catalysts avoids the extraction of 150 tons of ore. At present, the world’s used catalysts are processed by hydrometallurgical or pyrometallurgical way. Both methods allow for recovery of about 95% of platinum and palladium and 70% of rhodium. PGMs recovered from car catalysts is becoming an important source of these metals. There are ideas for platinum group metals mining in the solar system. It is significant that gases from catalytic reactors cause emissions to the environment of harmful platinum, which accumulates in street sediments, soil, plants, water and in animals. The results of studies on monoliths derived from catalysts were carried out using a XRF Niton fluorescence spectrometer and electron microscope. In addition, the life cycle analysis of the catalytic reactor has been carried out from the moment of platinum extraction to operation and recycling.

Authors and Affiliations

Hubert Trębacz, Piotr Michno

Keywords

EP ID EP245294
DOI -
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