Platinum Group Metals: A Review of Resources, Production and Usage with a Focus on Catalysts

The major applications of PGMs are as catalysts in automotive industry, petroleum refining, environmental (gas remediation), industrial chemical production (e.g., ammonia production, fine chemicals), electronics, and medical fields. As the next generation energy technologies for hydrogen such electrolysers fuel cells stationary transport applications, become mature, demand is expected to further increase. Reserves annual Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir, Pt have been determined reported. Based on currently available resources, there around 200 years lifetime based current all PGMs, apart from which may be closer 100 years. Annual primary 190 t/a 217 combination with recycling 65.4 97.2 satisfies demand. By far, largest forms catalysis, auto catalysis. In fact, biggest driver price Pt, particular, emission regulation, has driven auto-catalyst design. Recovery through generally good, but some catalytic processes, particularly auto-catalysis, result significant dissipation. US, about 70% stream end-of-life vehicles a source global secondary recovered spent auto-catalyst. use large industry likely continue, long-term transition towards electric will alter profiles.