Full Text for Volume 48 Number 1 (January 2004)

This issue contains the following:

Strengthening Palladium-Copper-Silver Alloys
Improving the strength, thermal, electrical and deformation characteristics of materials is important materials science work. Alexei Volkov, Institute of Metal Physics, Ekaterinburg, Russia, describes how to improve the microstructure and physical properties of some palladium-copper-silver alloys, that have an ordered B2-type superstructure. He presents work on decomposition kinetics, electrical resistivities, and strength properties. The strength of Pd-Cu-Ag alloys, with 20-25 wt.% Ag, can be enhanced by heating the initially quenched alloy to 600°C, followed by cooling. A two-phase fine-grain structure forms that may combine strength with plasticity. The strength of alloys with less than 10 wt.% Ag can be increased if a suitable reinforcing framework is used for the plastic matrix. Fine Ag particles deposited on the dislocation framework enhance this strength.

Highly Phosphorescent Osmium Complexes
A new series of highly phosphorescent octahedral Os(II) carbonyl complexes has been prepared by researchers in Taiwan. The complexes, synthesised using solid-state pyrolysis and ligand exchange, display strong phosphorescence in CH₂Cl₂ solution at room temperature. The phosphorescence had an unusually long lifetime of 29-64 ms and high quantum yields of 0.08-0.13.

Price Fixings of Platinum and Palladium Prices by the LPPM
The role of London Platinum and Palladium Market (LPPM) in the daily price fixings for platinum and palladium is described by Tom Kendall of Johnson Matthey, U.K. The twice daily fixes are benchmarks for the market. The background to the establishment of the LPPM is briefly described.

Reusable Palladium Perovskite Catalysts for Suzuki Reactions
Researchers from the University of Cambridge, U.K., describe optimum conditions for the Pd perovskite catalysis of aryl halides and boronic acids in Suzuki cross-coupling reactions. The Pd perovskite functions as an air-stable, reusable catalyst, under mild conditions. The perovskite may act as a reservoir and scavenger for the active catalytic species.

One-Step Transfer of Magnetic Nanostructure on Co/Pt
A complete nanostructural magnetic recording pattern was transferred to a Co/Pt multilayer using direct structuring large area Ar⁺ ion projection through a stencil mask. This single-step process was performed by a team from Germany and Austria. The mask had to be placed a significant distance from the surface of a 1´´-format hard disk.

PGM Chalcogenides: Their Structures and Uses
Some features of binary platinum group metal (pgm) chalcogenides, compounds of pgms with sulfur, selenium or tellurium, are reviewed by Sandip Dey and Vimal K. Jain from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India. Their structural patterns are classified using common structural systems. Some applications of the pgm chalcogenides in catalysis and materials science are described, and emerging trends in designing molecular precursors for the syntheses of these materials are highlighted.

Effect of Metal Prices on the Cost of PGM Chemicals
Factors affecting the costs of pgm-containing chemicals are briefly described by John Gourd of Johnson Matthey, Royston, U.K. Manufacturing costs and the market value of the metals are the main factors. Recycling the metal can offset some of the initial costs.

Separating Palladium from Solutions using an Imprinted Polymer
A palladium ion imprinted polymer (Pd IIP) with nanopores, capable of preconcentrative separation of Pd, has been synthesised by a team from CSIR, India. The IIP could extract Pd ions from dilute aqueous solutions with far higher selectivity than for Pt or the base metals found in ores. The IIP was superior to an ion recognition polymer. g-Irradiation further enhanced the extraction of Pd.

The Role of Palladium in Restorative Dentistry
Palladium alloys are key materials in the dental industry for crown and bridge restorations. Roy Rushforth from Charles Booth Ltd., Birmingham, U.K., describes the superior physical properties of Pd which contribute to its alloys being ideal dental materials.

Grove Fuel Cell Symposium
Fuel cells are highly efficient, reliable and durable power generators with superior emissions characteristics. The main barrier to their general adoption is the initial cost. Reducing these costs was the underlaying theme of the Eighth Grove Fuel Cell Symposium held in London in September 2003. Don Cameron (The Interact Consultancy, U.K.) reviews developments covered in this Symposium, including the fuel cells themselves, hydrogen provision, demonstrations of technology, metal supply, finance and possible government incentives.

Final Analysis on the Effects of Oil Additives on Autocatalysts
Tony Wilkins closes his series on the effects of additives on engine oils, fuels, catalysts and engines, by looking at the effects of sulfated ash, phosphorus and sulfur (SAPS) in engine oils on catalyst performance. Ever tightening emissions legislation is increasing the need for low SAPS oils that do not compromise engine wear or oil consumption. The oil additives industry is actively involved.

The issue ends with a selection of abstracts based on recently published patent and scientific literature.

Platinum Metals Review is available on the internet from the publications section of the Platinum Today site or from the host site Ingenta Select.

Susan V. Ashton
Editor

Anyone with an active interest in the platinum group metals and their uses who does not have ready access to a copy of Platinum Metals Review and who may benefit from reading it, is invited to request a specimen copy from:

The Editor, Johnson Matthey PLC, Orchard Road, Royston, Hertfordshire SG8 5HE, United Kingdom; Fax +44 (0) 1763 256359; Email jmpmr@matthey.com