Before discussing the amazing range of applications of rhodium and its alloys, let's explore the value and importance of rhodium through a practical recycling case.
Recycling case: 2023, Berlin, Germany
In the summer of 2023, a specialized precious metals recycling company based in Berlin, Germany, successfully recovered rhodium metal from used industrial catalysts. This process not only reduces industrial waste, but also recycles an extremely valuable resource.
course
Waste collection: First, the waste catalyst containing rhodium is collected. These catalysts mainly come from chemical plants and automobile exhaust treatment plants.
Initial treatment: The collected waste is broken up to facilitate subsequent chemical treatment.
Chemical treatment: Through professional chemical solvents and refining technology, rhodium metal is separated from other substances.
Purification rhodium: Finally, high purity rhodium is obtained through a series of purification processes.
Weight and price
In this recovery project, the company successfully recovered approximately 1 kg of pure rhodium from approximately 2 tons of waste catalysts. Given the extremely expensive market price of rhodium, even this seemingly insignificant 1kg of rhodium is worth quite a bit. In 2023, the price of rhodium is about 600 euros per gram, so the market value of this 1 kilogram of rhodium is close to 600,000 euros.
The amazing range of applications of rhodium and its alloys
Rhodium and its alloys are widely used in many fields due to their unique physical and chemical properties:
Catalyst: Rhodium is an indispensable catalyst in many chemical reactions, especially in automotive exhaust purifiers, helping to convert harmful gases into harmless substances.
Electronics: Rhodium and its alloys are often used in the manufacture of high-performance electronic connectors and contacts due to their excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance.
Jewelry manufacturing: Rhodium's high gloss and good wear resistance make it an ideal choice for jewelry coating, enhancing the beauty and durability of jewelry.
Glass manufacturing: Rhodium is used as a coating for thermometers and the inside of furnaces in the glass manufacturing process because of its ability to remain stable at extremely high temperatures.
Through this recycling case and the application range of rhodium and its alloys, we can see that rhodium is not only a precious metal, its unique properties also make it play an irreplaceable role in the development of modern industry and technology. The high value and wide application of this metal has led to the continuous exploration of more efficient and environmentally friendly recycling and utilization methods to ensure the continued availability of this valuable resource.
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