Recovery of platinum group metals from waste sources

Taylor, Scott (2012). Recovery of platinum group metals from waste sources. University of Birmingham. M.Phil.

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Abstract

The metal recovering abilities of cells which are “pre-loaded” with either Pd or Pt metals are well documented and known to work well. This study prepared several different batches of “pre-loaded” cells produced using identical methodologies to identify which combination of metal and wt% loading offered the optimum for metal recovery from solution and afterwards offered the highest catalytic activity. Recovery of metals from model solutions showed that all loadings for both Pt and Pd achieved recovery of 100% of the mixed Pd and Pt contained within solution in near identical times.
To highlight the optimum pre-loading catalytic testing in the form of chromate Cr(VI) reduction was carried out which showed that cells using an initial pre-loading of 2wt% Pd were found to offer the optimum activity and recovery properties. Further independent testing of cells using an initial pre-loading of 2wt% Pd in a 2 Pentyne hydrogenation reaction again showed them to offer optimum catalytic activity.
The other aspect of the recovery process investigated was that of a model road dust system, several different techniques were used to imitate the manufacture of TWC’s (three way catalytic converters) to aid in producing an accurate model for a road dust. Using SEM, EDX and XRD analysis a production method involving the extrusion of an alumina wash coat material impregnated with Pt solution was seen to offer the best model of a real catalyst.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Phil.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Phil.

Supervisor(s):