Technological Development Trends in Platinum Group Metal Recycling

Abstract

The recovery of platinum group metals (PGMs) from end-of-life products or waste is essential to ensure a steady supply of PGMs and preserve the natural environment. Currently, spent automobile catalysts are necessary secondary resources for Pt, Pd, and Rh; numerous smelting and recycling companies have actively practiced their processing. However, several factors limit the efficiency of PGM recovery in the current recycling processes. Specifically, PGMs represent a small proportion of the catalyst and are difficult to dissolve in aqueous solutions for subsequent separation and purification. Various technological developments are underway to improve the efficiency and sustainability of PGM recycling process. Herein, we outline the typical industrial processes for recovering PGMs from spent automobile catalysts. Furthermore, chemical pretreatments, such as reduction, alloying, oxidation, chlorination, and sulfation, have been introduced as effective ways to leach PGMs.

Keywords

• platinum group metals
• recycling
• spent catalysts
• chemical pretreatment
• solubilization