Applications

The platinum group metals are used in a bewildering variety of industries. This section describes many of the major uses of platinum group metals and their unique properties. Click on the thumbnail image or the "more" button to go to the relevent demand sector - "Industrial" and "Other sectors" open secondary index pages. 

    • AutocatalystAutocatalyst
      More

      A pollution control device fitted to cars and trucks, the catalytic converter (autocatalyst) is the largest application of platinum group metals. Platinum, palladium and rhodium are coated onto a substrate housed in the exhaust system and act as catalysts to reduce levels of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen to legislated levels.

    • JewelleryJewellery
      More

      The second largest sector of pgm demand, 85% of platinum jewellery is made and consumed in China, Japan and the USA.  Manufacturers have begun to produce palladium jewellery recently, making it a significant demand sector. Ruthenium and iridium are used as constituents in jewellery alloys and rhodium is used for decorative electroplating.   

    • IndustrialIndustrial
      More

      The physical and chemical properties of the platinum group metals make them invaluable to many industries. Here are some of the key areas where they are used.  

    • Fuel CellsFuel Cells
      More

      Fuel cells generate electricity from an electrochemical reaction in which oxygen and hydrogen combine over a catalyst. Fuel cells using platinum catalysts are being developed for portable and auxiliary power units and for powering vehicles.