Lo que es
This one component is the largest single use of platinum, palladium and rhodium. Its demand falls with every combustion car replaced, and it is the most-recycled precious-metal product in the world.
La lista de materiales
Escálelo →Las cantidades son per vehiclerango indicativo
| Material | Bajo | Alto | Unidad | Base |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cerium crítico | 0.02 | 0.1 | kg | Oxygen storage in the washcoat |
| Platinum crítico | 0.002 | 0.008 | kg | Coating, mostly diesel |
| Palladium crítico | 0.002 | 0.007 | kg | Coating, petrol engines |
| Rhodium crítico No practical substitute. | 0.0002 | 0.001 | kg | Nitrogen-oxide reduction |
Indicative range compiled from published technology studies and chemistry; verify against a manufacturer specification before use. Las filas marcadas como «traza» contienen el material en cantidades demasiado pequeñas para expresarse de forma útil como masa; la restricción allí es la pureza o el número de proveedores, no el tonelaje.
Las alternativas
La sustitución es la fuerza más subestimada en materiales. Cuando un metal se encarece o resulta políticamente problemático, los ingenieros diseñan soluciones alternativas — y la demanda de una mina entera puede desvanecerse.
Alkaline Electrolyser
The century-old design: steel, nickel and potassium hydroxide, with no precious metals at all.
HVDC Transmission Cable
High-voltage direct-current cable, the technology used to move power hundreds of kilometres with low loss.
PEM Electrolyser
Splits water using a polymer membrane, platinum and iridium — fast-responding but catalyst-hungry.
Pressurised Water Reactor
The most common reactor design: enriched uranium fuel in zirconium tubes, water as both coolant and moderator.