Palladium

Palladium is an important chemical metal marked by multiple utility. It is a vital member of the Platinum Group Metal’s (PGM) whose other members are Ruthenium, Rhodium, Osmium, Iridium and Platinum. Its symbol by which it is denoted in the periodic table is Pd. Its atomic number is 46 and its group number is 10. The atomic weight of palladium is 106.42(1) g. It is composed of six isotopes. It is available in several forms such as granule, powder, foil, rod and many more. Palladium is a rare, silvery white metallic chemical that does not change its color when exposed to the oxygen. This chemical metal has the least density and melting point compared to the other members of PGM. Its uniqueness is that it can easily diffuse huge quantity of hydrogen under room temperature and helps in filtering hydrogen. Palladium visibly swells up after absorbing large quantity of hydrogen.

Palladium was founded in 1803 by William Hyde Wollaston.

Uses of Palladium

Extracting palladium from its other member is not a simple process and in many cases forms the primary function of an industry because it is derived from copper nickel ores where it occurs as a mixture with the other members. There is great industrial significance of palladium because it is an important catalyst. It is also used for watch springs. It also has essential application in the world of dentistry. It is also used for spark plugs in aircraft industry. In the production of surgical instruments, palladium plays an important role.

Where is it found?

Principal concentration of Palladium is found in the Ural Mountains. It is also found in huge quantities in Australia, Ethiopia, South America and North America.

MMC Norilsk Nickel, stationed in Moscow produces the largest amount of palladium.