Platinum
Platinum is a chemical element with the symbol Pt and atomic number 78. It is a dense, malleable, silvery-white transition metal and belongs to the platinum group of elements. Platinum is known for its exceptional corrosion resistance, high melting point, and excellent catalytic properties. It is used in a variety of industrial and technological applications.
Physical and chemical properties
Platinum exhibits several remarkable physical and chemical properties:
Density: Platinum has a high density of approximately 21.45 g/cm³.
Corrosion resistance: Platinum is extremely corrosion-resistant and withstands many chemicals and environmental influences.
Melting point: The melting point of platinum is about 1,768 °C.
Catalytic properties: Platinum is an excellent catalyst for many chemical reactions, especially in the automotive and chemical industries.
Malleability and ductility: Platinum is malleable and can be easily processed into thin sheets and wires.
Electron configuration: Platinum has the electron configuration [Xe] 4f14 5d9 6s1.
Uses of platinum
Thanks to its unique properties, platinum is widely used in many areas:
Catalysts: Used in automotive catalytic converters to reduce pollutant emissions, as well as in chemical catalysts in petrochemicals and fine chemicals.
Electronics: Used in electrical contacts, connectors, and other electronic components due to its good conductivity and resistance.
Jewellery: Platinum is frequently used in jewellery due to its attractive silvery-white colour and resistance to tarnishing and scratching.
Medicine: Used in medical devices and implants, as well as in cancer therapy as part of chemotherapeutic agents (e.g., cisplatin).
Glass and fibre optic manufacturing: Used in platinum vessels and nozzles due to its high melting point and chemical resistance.
Laboratory equipment: Used in thermocouples, electrodes, and other high-quality laboratory instruments.
Advantages of using platinum
Using platinum offers numerous benefits:
Excellent corrosion resistance: Platinum is extremely resistant to corrosion and retains its properties even in aggressive environments.
Efficient catalysis: Platinum is a highly effective catalyst that improves the efficiency of many chemical processes.
High melting point: Platinum is ideal for high-temperature applications.
Attractive appearance: Platinum has a shiny, silvery-white colour that makes it particularly attractive for jewellery.
Biocompatibility: Platinum is biocompatible and can be safely used in medical applications.
Summary
Platinum is a versatile and valuable metal with unique physical and chemical properties. It is widely used in catalysts, electronics, jewellery, medicine, glass and fibre optic manufacturing, as well as laboratory equipment. The combination of high density, corrosion resistance, catalytic properties, and ductility makes platinum an indispensable material in many high-tech and industrial fields.
Further information
Additional information on platinum and its applications can be found in specialised chemistry and materials science books, as well as on dedicated websites for metallurgy and high technology.