Palladium (7440-05-3) Manufacturers online

Palladium (Pd) is a shiny silver-white transition metal with high corrosion resistance that is used in particular in catalytic converters for vehicles.

In electronics, it is used for contacts and capacitors, and in jewelry production it serves as an alternative to platinum, especially for white gold alloys. Palladium is also used as a catalyst in the chemical industry, for example in the production of medicines or plastics.

Below you will find an overview of the physical properties, extraction and main countries where palladium is mined, as well as an overview of its uses and a brief summary of its benefits:

Physical properties of palladium:

1. Symbol: Pd
2. Atomic number: 46
3. Density: 12.023 g/cm3
4. Melting point: 1,554 °C
5. Boiling point: 2,963 °C
6. Color: Silver-white, shiny
7. Hardness (Mohs): 4.75
8. Malleability: Hard. Poorly formable!
9. Electrical conductivity: Very good.
10. Corrosion resistance: Very corrosion-resistant metal.
11. Special feature: Absorbs hydrogen up to 900 times its volume!

Palladium belongs to the so-called platinum group (PGMs) with other precious metals such as rhodium and iridium.

Extraction of palladium:

The metal was discovered in 1802 by William Hyde Wollaston, who was investigating methods for processing platinum ores.
Palladium occurs together with the other platinum metals in very low concentrations in the earth's crust.

It is extracted together with other platinum metals (platinum, palladium, ruthenium, iridium, osmium).

Main palladium-producing countries:

1. Russia (especially the Norilsk region)
2. South Africa
3. Canada
4. USA
5. Zimbabwe

Use of palladium:

Due to its special properties, palladium is used in numerous areas.

1. Automotive industry:
Main application:Palladium is used in exhaust gas catalytic converters to convert pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and unburned hydrocarbons into harmless substances (CO₂, N₂, H₂O).
Especially in: Gasoline vehicles (diesel tends to use platinum).
Share of total consumption: Over 50% of global palladium demand.

2. Electronics industry:
Use: Contacts in relays, switches and connectors.
Capacitors (especially MLCCs - Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors).
Solder connections in miniature components.

3. Jewelry industry:
Use: Pure palladium as a precious metal (similar to platinum, but lighter).
Alloys for white gold or palladium-gold.
Advantages: Hypoallergenic, does not tarnish, lighter than platinum.

4. Chemical industry:
Used as a catalyst:
Hydrogenation of organic compounds.
Cross-coupling reactions (e.g. Suzuki, Heck, Stille coupling) in pharmaceutical and fine chemistry.
Enables efficient, selective and clean reactions.

5. Medicine & dentistry:
Use:
Dental alloys (crowns, bridges).
Biocompatible materials in dental prosthetics. Palladium is corrosion-resistant and hypoallergenic.

6. Hydrogen technology:
Use:
Hydrogen storage.
Filter membranes for hydrogen purification.
Electrode material in fuel cells.
Palladium absorbs hydrogen very efficiently.

7. Investment and financial markets
Forms:
Palladium bars and coins.
ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) on palladium.
As an investment and hedge against inflation.

8. Future applications / research:
Potential in:
Catalytic processes for green hydrogen.
Energy-efficient sensors.
Environmentally friendly chemical syntheses.
Micro- and nanotechnology.

Advantages of palladium:

• Very corrosion resistant.
• Excellent catalyst.
• Lighter than platinum.
• Good electrical conductivity.
• Increasingly important for green technologies.

Palladium is a rare and valuable metal that has also become increasingly popular as an investment in recent years, for example in the form of coins or bars. Due to its wide range of applications, it is now one of the key raw materials of modern industrial societies.

Here you will find the most important aspects to consider when buying palladium.

The purchase of palladium is demanding and requires precise knowledge of the market, as it is a rare, strategically important and valuable metal.

• Before buying, you should determine the quality of palladium you need and the specifications to be met:
• Purity: industry standard is usually 99.95% (e.g. for ingots), alloys may be sufficient for catalytic converters.
• Form: Ingot, powder, sponge, granulate, sheets - depending on the intended use.
• Alloy content: For technical applications, e.g. jewelry, electronics, you should pay attention to exact composition.
• For certain processes, e.g. catalysis, soldering technology, form and purity are crucial.
• When selecting a supplier, also clarify the origin:
• Russia and South Africa dominate the market, so be aware of geopolitical risks.
• Only work with verified, established dealers. Ask for proof of origin, if necessary LBMA certification for bars.
• Make sure that the palladium does not come from conflict areas ("conflict-free sourcing").
• Palladium can be traded on exchanges (e.g. NYMEX, LME). Prices are highly volatile!
• Compare prices on the spot market with those on the futures market - hedging strategies can be useful.
• Political events, supply shortages and changes in demand have a strong impact on the price.
• Pay attention to tax aspects and import/export regulations. Especially in international trade.
• For EU imports, e.g. REACH, RoHS conformity, environmental compatibility.
• Also clarify the storage conditions before purchasing: Dry, safe environment, possibly in duty-free warehouses for tax optimization.
• In any case, insurance against theft or loss in transit is advisable, possibly also against fluctuations in value.
• Choose specialized transport companies with experience in handling precious metals.

When buying palladium, you should pay attention to high purity, certified origin and reliable suppliers. Current market prices, legal requirements and secure storage are also crucial.

Palladium can be purchased from various suppliers. Comprehensive information about suppliers of palladium from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.