Palladium

Palladium is one of a number of metals starting to be used in the fuel cells to power a host of things including cars and buses. Palladium is also widely used in catalytic reactions in industry, such as in hydrogenation of unsaturated hydrocarbons, as well as in jewellery and in dental fillings and crowns.

Palladium is also widely used in catalytic reactions in industry, such as in hydrogenation of unsaturated hydrocarbons, as well as in jewellery and in dental fillings and crowns.

Hydrogen

Identity.

Palladium is a steel-white, ductile metallic element resembling and occurring with the other platinum group metals (PGMs) and nickel

History.

Palladium, a lustrous silver-white metal, was discovered in 1803 by English chemist William Hyde Wollaston. He was analyzing samples of platinum ore from South America when he noticed a curious residue left behind after certain chemical treatments. This residue turned out to be a new element, which Wollaston named palladium after the recently discovered asteroid Pallas.

Initially, palladium wasn't widely recognized or used due to its resemblance to platinum and limited understanding of its properties. However, further research revealed its unique characteristics, including its malleability, ductility, and resistance to corrosion.

Paracelsus

Usage.

  • Jewelry: Palladium's durability and affordability made it a popular choice for jewelry, particularly white gold alternatives.
  • Dentistry: Palladium alloys are used in dental fillings and crowns due to their biocompatibility and strength.
  • Electronics: Palladium finds use in electrical contacts and switches due to its excellent conductivity and resistance to tarnish.
Some of the benefits of using palladium are:
  • Palladium plays a crucial role in reducing harmful pollutants in vehicle exhaust emissions. It helps convert these pollutants into less harmful substances, contributing to cleaner air.
  • Palladium acts as a catalyst in various chemical reactions, enabling them to occur more efficiently. This can potentially lead to reduced waste and energy consumption in some industrial processes.
  • Palladium is prized for its resistance to corrosion and tarnishing, making it a suitable material for applications like jewelry and electrical components.

Sources.